Upstep Answers
Our team answers your questions about the causes and treatment of various podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, foot pain, and the use of custom orthotics.
Recent Answers
Should I Wear Orthotics All the Time?
Custom orthotics are designed specifically for your feet and intended to restore them to their ideal condition. There is no such thing as wearing them too much, but at some point, your podiatrist may say that it is alright to stop wearing them, or only to wear them during certain activities. Generally, you should wear custom orthotics whenever possible, but there are times when it matters more than others. It is more important to wear your insoles when your feet will be working hard, standing for long periods, or exercising. It is less important to wear them when you are sitting for an extended time, like at your desk or in front of the TV. What if You Don't Wear Orthotics All the Time? If you don't wear your orthotics as prescribed, you are unlikely to get the desired results. Either the improvement will take longer than it should, or you won't feel the benefits of orthotics at all. How to Wear Your Orthotics All the Time To make sure you can wear your orthotics as recommended, order at least two pairs for differently styled shoes. Get a pair for flats, sports shoes, and sneakers, and another pair designed for dress shoes. This way you're covered so that no matter what the occasion is, you'll be able to wear orthotics.
Asked 2 months ago
Do You Need Bigger Shoes to Wear Insoles?
Insoles are used by many people globally to provide comfort to the feet, relieve symptoms from various conditions that affect the feet, and prevent injuries from occurring. Insoles can be custom-made to specifically support your foot in all the areas required for maximum comfort. Insoles are a cost-effective, safe way to effectively manage various conditions affecting the feet and can be used between shoes interchangeably. Insoles play an important role in redistributing the weight throughout the foot, reducing pressure points that may lead to discomfort. Reducing foot fatigue and preventing injuries in the ankle and foot are other benefits of wearing insoles in your shoes during your daily or sporting activities. Can Insoles Fit In Your Normal Shoes? Yes, usually insoles fit comfortably in normal shoes. In some cases, you might find that your shoe may be too small to wear your insoles. This is commonly seen in some women's shoes, whilst most men's shoes should accommodate insoles comfortably. Orthotic insoles can be custom-made and altered to fit exactly into a specific shoe to provide you with the best level of comfort throughout the day. It is important to ensure that the insoles fit correctly within your shoes and do not crowd the toes or feet. It may take some time at first for your feet to adapt to the support felt while wearing orthotics, thereafter comfort and relief should be the norm whilst making use of them. » Looking for the right fit? Discover the best insoles for wide feet Are Bigger Shoes Necessary for Insoles? You don’t usually need to get bigger shoes when using insoles unless the shoe is already extremely tight-fitting. The insole size is specific to your foot size and should fit comfortably in the shoes you already may have. Upstep has a range of orthotics to choose from which cover a range of conditions that may affect your feet. We have orthotics for bunions, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and other heel pain-related conditions. The mold of your feet is done in the comfort of your own home and is shipped back to you upon completion of manufacturing. Upstep has a 120-day money-back guarantee on orthotics purchased.
Asked 2 months ago
How to Choose the Best Insoles for Overweight People
Being overweight can lead to increased pressure on the feet and may eventually lead to complications like bunions, flat feet, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis. You can protect and support the feet with the use of orthotic insoles to help prevent further complications from arising. Features of Good Insoles for Overweight People You should look for insoles that come with supportive, cushioned padding—preferably made from a rigid material, as this is less likely to lose its intensity over time. Insoles made out of softer materials may collapse after a few months and will potentially cause a host of additional problems with continuous use. Finding insoles that best suit and support your specific foot shape is helpful in getting the best out of orthotics. If you have any of the conditions listed above, there are orthotics specifically designed to manage and prevent the worsening of these conditions. An orthotic that provides support to areas that may not require it could actually cause your condition to get worse, necessitating the need for custom orthotics instead of generic insoles. » Can't find the right fit? Discover the best insoles for wide feet Best Insoles for Overweight People Thicker insoles made from rigid materials are a good cost-effective and long-term choice. Identifying the type of orthotics you need is a vital first step and deciding whether you will benefit from orthotics. Spend some time observing the shape of your foot and what areas you are experiencing symptoms in before making a purchase. Heel pain can be managed with specific insoles to limit the force during heel strikes. Pain associated with plantar fasciitis or bunions can be integrated into the optimum insoles for your feet to provide you with maximum comfort throughout the day. Upstep has a selection of custom orthotics for you to manage a range of conditions. Visit our online store to help you choose the right insoles for your condition.
Asked 2 months ago
Best Work Boot Inserts for Those With Plantar Fasciitis
Workers in many industries globally spend many hours on their feet during the day and are required to wear shoes that are hardy and protective. Work boots worn by many prevent any potential injuries from occurring to the feet from heavy machinery or falling objects. Work boots have a downside in that they don't offer much support or comfort for long work days. Plantar fasciitis is a condition associated with a burning sensation arising in the heel area and is a common cause of heel pain globally. The thick band of fascia, crucial for maintaining the arch during weight-bearing, becomes inflamed and painful often due to overuse. A sharp pain in the heel area is a commonly reported symptom when taking the first steps in the morning. Orthotics have been well-documented to be a safe and cost-effective way to manage your symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fasciitis insoles will support the arch and distribute the weight through the entirety of the foot while reducing the shock placed through the heel area. Which Inserts Will Fit Inside Work Boots? Most insoles that you may find will fit comfortably within your work boots. A potential reason for insoles not fitting comfortably within the boot is usually due to the boot being too small or tight. Custom insoles may be a good option in managing your symptoms of plantar fasciitis caused by wearing your work boots throughout a shift. Arch support can be provided by insoles and can greatly reduce flare-ups associated with this and other similar conditions. » Experience unbearable calf pain? Purchase the best insoles for plantar fasciitis-related calf pain How to Choose the Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis Finding orthotics that are specifically designed for plantar fasciitis is extremely helpful. Orthotics for bunions may not be helpful in managing your symptoms of plantar fasciitis and could, in some cases, aggravate your condition. Supportive padding around the heel area of the insole is especially helpful in limiting the shock from your daily work activities. You’ll find overall relief from the pressure areas on the soles of your feet when using custom insoles, allowing you to complete your daily work activities pain-free.
Asked 2 months ago
Can You Treat Fat Pad Atrophy With Orthotics?
Fat pads are closely packed fatty tissues found in specific areas of the body. They protect the foot's bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves by absorbing force and pressure. Over time, wear and tear will set in with the use of the fat pad. Age, obesity, diabetes, and plantar fasciitis can increase the rate at which this happens. The phenomenon is known as fat pad atrophy and occurs in both men and women. It leads to a thinning out of the fat cushion, leading to pain in the ball of the foot. Here's what you need to know about cushioning the foot when that happens and how to increase foot padding. Can Fat Pad Atrophy Be Reversed While fat pad atrophy cannot be reversed, it can be slowed down by cushioning your foot with heel cups, wearing shoes with extra padding, avoiding barefoot walking, and more. Where foot pad atrophy is extensive, a foot filler injection can be used to relieve the pressure and help with pain relief. Between these conservative treatment options, you don't necessarily require any extra surgical intervention. Can Orthotics Restore Fat Pads? Yes, central to foot fat pad restoration are custom-made foot orthoses with padding. The idea is to replace the fat pad with an external shock absorber. This, in turn, will relieve pressure on the foot and reduce pain. Usually, patients with heel fat pad atrophy choose viscoelastic orthotic devices, heel cushions, and heel cups. These are the best shoe inserts for fat pad atrophy as they cushion the foot and minimize all pain. » Looking for the best insoles for fat pad atrophy? Browse Upstep's range of custom orthotics to get started Conclusion Fat pad atrophy may not be preventable, but at least you can prevent it from getting any worse. You can also manage any pain that results from it easily. Done well, you can be sure that your foot fat pad will still serve you well even in old age.
Asked 2 months ago
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