Orthopedic insoles for back pain: Effective? (Physio review)

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The feet provide more complex roles than taking us from point A to point B. Physiologically, they play a role of support for the body, proprioception and maintaining balance.

So a foot problem leads to impacts on the entire postural chain. Hence the various problems which appear at the level of the ankles, knees, hip and of .

In our opinion, the Orthopedic sole can indeed relieve the back pain, and this from several angles; although this has not yet been scientifically proven.

This article will provide more detail on the theoretical benefits of orthopedic insoles for back pain. We also provide you with a complete buying guide with all the information you need to know to choose the right orthopedic insoles (choice criteria, types, alternatives).

Orthopedic insoles for back pain: effective? All information in this article.

ProductOrthopaedic insoles
For who ?– For people who suffer from back pain due to prolonged static position (sitting or standing)
– For people who suffer from back pain related to a foot problem (flat feet, hollow feet)
– For people who suffer from back pain due to uneven lower limbs
– For people who suffer from knee and ankle pain.
ProfitsPrevents back pain by:
– favoring statics in standing and sitting position
– maintaining the arch of the foot in a neutral position to compensate for position anomalies
– correcting an inequality in the length of the feet
– helping to reduce fatigue
The inconvenients– Lack of scientific evidence on its effectiveness
Our opinion– Helps remedy back pain according to the testimonials of thousands of users
-Easy and simple to use solution
– Reasonable price compared to the benefits it brings
– Does not replace the adoption of a good lifestyle
Where to find ?– Online for more choices
– In stores for a direct fitting
The alternatives– Orthopedic shoes

What our patients and other users say?

Most of our testers say the orthopaedic insoles relieves him back pain, knee and feet. The majority of them recommend wearing orthopedic insoles to add good support and comfort on a daily basis.

However, a few have encountered difficulties in the maintenance of the insoles, saying that it is made for pain relief, but not made for intensive and prolonged use. It may not be suitable for your shoes so be well informed before buying.

Why buy orthopedic insoles for back pain?

Orthopedic insoles, what are they?

In a simplified way, the Orthopedic sole are therapeutic shoe inserts. They are designed to correct various foot problems and the various damage that result.

Theoretical benefits of orthopedic insoles for back pain

Apart from taking analgesics, massages or physiotherapy (Physiotherapy), you can turn to the orthopedic insoles for your back pain.

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Reduce pain caused by prolonged static position

Le back pain is favored by the adoption of a prolonged static position. What explains back pain in people who sit or stand for a long time (office work, teacher, etc.)

Orthopedic insoles thus make it possible to reduce the back pain caused by a frozen position by favoring the static in standing and sitting.

In the event that the pain predominates in the cervical region, orthopedic podiatrists generally prescribe soft, thin and elastic orthopedic insoles.

Full Insoles, Recommended by Physiotherapists | Flexible and thin orthopedic insoles
  • UNIQUE FULL-LENGTH DESIGN WITH PREMIUM FEATURES – these sophisticatedly designed insoles feature a significant metatarsal lift to support the transverse arch, biomechanical arch support and a deep heel cup to help realign the foot and ankle
  • DESIGNED BY RENOWNED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS – The FootActive brand is the first choice of podiatrists and physiotherapists for orthopedic insoles. They are designed in-house by our team of industry experts and proven to help relieve pain in the ball of the foot and metatarsalgia effectively.

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

If it's dorsal, orthopedic insoles thicker are advised.

Promo
Scholl In-Balance Orthopedic Insoles, Pain Relief for Tension in the Lower Back Area, Lower Back Pain, Size L for Men and Women
  • Supports foot position which can reduce strain on the lumbar area
  • Helps absorb shock - The sole relieves pain in the lumbar area and helps absorb shocks that cause tension in the lower body
  • Even weight distribution and pressure reduction

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Apart from that, it is advisable to change positions regularly, perform exercises and invest in a office chair for back pain.

Compensates for position anomalies

Flat and hollow feet alter posture due to the impact they have on body alignment. THE Orthopedic sole make it possible to compensate for this anomaly by maintaining the arch of the foot in a neutral position.

  • Orthopedic insoles for flat feet
Orthopedic Arch Support Insoles for Flat Feet, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Pain, for Women and Men
  • FLAT FEET: Medical-grade orthopedic inserts for common foot, arch, heel, ankle, plantar fasciitis and overpronation pain.
  • Functional Inserts: Arch support distributes and reduces pressure in the foot. Deep heel support keeps the foot bone upright improving stability. Built-in padded latex pads for better shock absorption.

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

  • Orthopedic insoles for hollow feet

Asymptomatic in most cases, these arch abnormalities can potentially cause back pain. It depends on the severity of the condition and the impacts on your posture.

Correct imbalances

Imbalance problems are seen in people with lower limb length inequality. The latter leads to the imbalance of the pelvis resulting in back pain.

In this case, the Orthopedic sole play the role of a heel piece inserted into the shoes to put the feet on the same level.

  • Orthopedic insoles for unevenness correction
Xrten 1 Pair Silicone Height Increasing Insole Heel Pads, Breathable Honeycomb Gel Insole, 3cm
  • Half sole design, one size fits all
  • Hidden heels ensure your waist secret never comes out
  • Antimicrobial odor protection, keeps your feet fresh

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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Reduce fatigue

This section mainly affects people who take a position up all day or overweight people. The back gets tired quickly in these conditions, because it supports the weight of the body.

The Orthopedic sole will offer extra support to the feet, they also ensure a good distribution of the weight of the body. All these factors will reduce fatigue and reduce the risk of back pain.

Help for knee and ankle problems

By supporting the feet and the plantar arch, the Orthopedic sole help relieve pressure on the knees and ankles. They also allow to correct the instabilities of the patella and the ankle at the origin of pain.

Buying guide for orthopedic insoles for back pain

How to choose ? 

Before choosing your orthopedic insole for back pain, take into account these few selection criteria:

Criterion n°1: Materials

Several materials can be used for the manufacture of orthopedic insoles for back pain. Each one having its own specificities:

  • Foam: At the same time flexible, light and soft, it ensures optimal comfort for the feet. Recommended, however, for not very intense use (athletes, active professions), because it can flatten easily.
  • Memory Foam: All the features of a simple foam orthotic insole, except it molds to the shape of your foot for added comfort and support.
  • Gel: Offers comfort, flexibility and resistance. The gel also provides good shock absorption which makes it perfect for relieving back pain and joint pain.
  • Cork: Cork is a light, but very hard-wearing natural material. Very good cushioning, a cork orthopedic insole is the perfect compromise between durability and comfort.
  • Silicone: Light, resistant and stable. Moreover, silicone orthopedic insoles are affordable and easy to find in the market.
  • Polypropylene: Stiff, firm and lightweight, a polypropylene orthotic insole is a popular choice for everyday and long-lasting use. Its rigidity makes it the perfect material to ensure good arch support.
Polypropylene Leather Orthopedic Insoles with Longitudinal and Transverse
  • Made of expanded polypropylene with adequate hardness and flexibility
  • Certified with the “healthy foot” certificate
  • Connected to a contoured pad that supports the transverse and longitudinal arches of the feet

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Criterion n°2: Durability

The durability of the orthopaedic insoles depends on the material with which it is made. Rigid materials like polyprylene and cork are more durable compared to foam.

However, Sustainability also depends on the quality of the insoles, the frequency of use, the type of activities they will be used for, maintenance, your weight, etc.

Criterion n°3: Flexibility

The flexibility of Orthopedic sole is important to allow natural movement of the foot, while providing stability and adequate support. In general, orthopedic insoles are already designed to be flexible, but the degree of flexibility varies depending on specific conditions.

  • Firm orthotic insoles are durable and provide good support. But this firmness can cause pain in case of continuous and intense use.
  • More flexible orthotic insoles made of soft material provide comfort, but tend to flatten out very quickly.
Gel Insoles - Silicone Orthopedic Comfort Insoles, for Heel Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Shock Absorbing for Walking and Running, Men and Women
  • Material: Silicone Gel + Velvet Fiber. Our insole containing antibacterial and non-slip silica gel to better care for your feet.
  • Anti-bacterial: Cover in breathable material: Anti-bacterial, fights odors
  • Function: The sports gel insole has been designed to ensure maximum foot support and promote body alignment through ideal arch positioning

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

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Criterion n°4: Thickness

The thicker an orthopedic insole, the more effectively it will be able to absorb the shock of footsteps. It will also be able to properly distribute your weight over all the joints, preventing joint pain and back pain.

Be careful not to choose a model that is too thick, as this may compress your foot in your shoes.

However, thinner orthopedic insoles don't take up too much space and keep your feet comfortable. In addition, they adapt more easily to shoes (tennis, heel, etc.)

Which type of orthopedic insoles to choose (versus)?

There are mainly two types of orthopedic insoles: full orthopedic insoles and orthopedic half insoles.

Half orthopedic insoles

As the name suggests, half orthopedic insoles do not cover the entire foot. They are designed to fit only part of the foot (arch, heel, forefoot)

Benefits :  their uses and actions are more specific to the problem you present:

  • Half insole arch in case of anomaly of the arch of the foot
  • Half-heeled sole for unequal limbs

Disadvantages: They are not stable, as they may move if you perform intense exercises or walk a lot.

QBK Orthopedic Insoles Calcaneal Spur 3/4 High Arch Support Insoles Shoes Women and Men Anti-Slip Insoles for Flat Foot Plantar Fasciitis and Pain Relief, L
  • 【35MM HIGH ARCH SUPPORT】QBK's a pair of 3/4 length heel spur orthotic insoles, feature arch support up to 35mm in height, which absorb the impact of every step during exercise or walking , adapt perfectly to the contours of your arch and evenly distribute the pressure of the foot and reduce fatigue. (This orthotic insole is a strong arch support with hard support.)
  • 【CORRECT FOOT PROBLEMS】The foot orthotic helps raise the arch of the foot to its natural position. It relieves plantar pain and is suitable for flat feet, high arches, ankle pain and bunions.

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Solid orthopedic insoles

As the name suggests, this type of orthopedic insole completely covers the length of your shoe.

Benefits : They are used to treat various foot conditions (pain and deformities), as well as related conditions (knee pain, ankle pain, back pain, etc.). Their actions are generalized compared to orthopedic half-soles.

Disadvantages: Risk of discomfort especially if they are too thick.

Alternative to orthopedic insoles

Orthopedic shoes

In the same way as the Orthopedic sole, orthopedic shoes are shoes specially designed to treat various foot conditions and the resulting injuries.

Benefits : Orthopedic shoes provide more comfort than orthopedic insoles in normal shoes. In addition, they are not likely to compress your foot. They are available in several types and models.

Disadvantages: Orthopedic shoes are more expensive than orthopedic insoles. These are also removable and adapt to many of your shoes.

Verdict: orthopedic shoes or orthopedic insoles for back pain?

In case of back pain, it is wiser to opt for Orthopedic sole. Orthopedic shoes are more useful for people who have foot conditions.

Orthopedic Shoes, Breathable Sneaker with Air Cushion Lightweight Walking Shoes Soft Platform Shoes
  • ★Fashion design: breathable sneakers for spring and summer, sports shoes, walking shoes, orthopedic shoes, running shoes, hiking shoes, jogging shoes, road running shoes, fitness shoes
  • ★Breathable Mesh Upper: The upper of women's sneakers is made of knitted mesh, lightweight and breathable. Ventilation openings increase breathability and ensure cool, fresh feet.
  • ★Air Cushion Design: With shock-absorbing air cushion design, it protects your feet and makes your ankles more comfortable. The arched sole cushions every step and feels like an ergonomic cushion under your feet. The supportive insole relaxes the entire sole of the foot to relieve pain.

Last updated on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Tips and FAQs

How to clean?

The Orthopedic sole made of synthetic material can be cleaned simply with soap and water.

For foam orthotics, first remove visible dirt with a dry brush. Then rub your soles with a damp, wrung-out sponge. Avoid over-wetting or over-scrubbing.

How to choose shoes?

The choice of shoes is important to optimize the comfort provided by orthopedic insoles.

  • For thick orthopedic insoles, opt for larger shoes with removable insoles so as not to compress your feet.
  • Check if the shoe in question is compatible with a plantar orthosis
  • Opt for shoes with an adjustable fit to be comfortable.

Where to get orthopedic insoles for back pain?

You can buy your orthopedic insoles online, in stores or custom made. Buying online is advisable, as you have a large number of choices.

Last updated on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Partners API

Orthopedic insoles for back pain: What do the scientific studies say?

At the present time, there is not yet any scientific evidence that can demonstrate the real effectiveness of Orthopedic sole for back pain. Scientific research on the subject is still scarce.

The few results demonstrating their effectiveness for back pain are still classified as unsatisfactory. More scientific research is needed before making a reliable conclusion.

What to do ?

Do not underestimate user experiences

Take into account the testimonials of the thousands of users who have tested orthopedic insoles before you for back pain. Many of them have had positive results.

test yourself

Each of us have our own conditions and peculiarities. The effectiveness of orthopedic insoles thus varies according to each individual. This is why it is advisable to test yourself first, see if your symptoms improve or not.

Opt for the soles at a lower cost

If you still want to test the effectiveness of orthopedic insoles for back pain, opt for those at a lower cost (especially in the case of flat feet or hollow feet).

You will then assess whether the changes made are negative or positive. If this relieved you, consult a podiatrist for custom-fitted orthotics.

Adopt a good lifestyle

Le back pain is linked to a bad habit of life: stress, sleepless nights, lack of physical exercise, overweight.

This bad lifestyle habit can tire your whole body in addition to being the cause of your back pain. Indeed, the lack of physical maintenance affects your body and is the cause of: myasthenia, neck pain, mental slowdown, lack of productivity.

To know what to do in case of back pain, more information here.

Orthopedic insoles for back pain will never replace treatment that takes physical activity into consideration.

Sources and references

https://www.lombafit.com/mal-de-dos-quand-je-me-leve-dune-chaise/

https://www.lombafit.com/mal-de-dos-que-faire-en-ordre-chronologique/

https://www.lombafit.com/chaise-de-bureau-contre-le-mal-de-dos-comment-choisir/

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