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.
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What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Memory Foam Orthotics?
Memory foam orthotics are widely used nowadays for providing sheer comfort on the feet. It is basically a type of insole that is made from pliable materials like polyurethane, the same type of material used in carpets or bedding. Are Memory Foam Insoles Good or Bad for Your Feet? Memory foam insoles are a good choice for people who are dealing with foot pain, helping to keep the feet in a healthy condition. While Memory foam insoles are generally comfortable and an excellent choice for your feet health, there are some cons too. Let's talk about if it is good or bad for your feet. Pros of Memory Foam Insoles Extremely comfortable They are called memory foam insoles because they keep the memory of your foot structure and provide comfort according to the foot anatomy.Relieves foot pain Memory foam insoles ease pain in the feet if you do physical activities. Due to support for the arch, memory foam insoles are good for weightlifting, running, and hiking. Promotes less fatigue The materials of memory foam orthotics don't allow your feet to get fatigued easily. Cons of Memory Foam Insoles Might not be durable The polyurethane material isn't dense, and it might not last very long. Lack of support Several memory foam orthotics are built without support for the arch or support for the heel. » Explore the differences between memory foam and gel insoles by reading our guide Conclusion Whether it is good or bad, it would depend on your feet-related ailment as well as your demand. If you want a long-lasting product, then memory foam insoles might not be ideal. It is best to take a doctor's suggestion.
Asked 2 months ago
Can Memory Foam Insoles Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Memory foam insoles seem like a great idea when you first purchase them as there are few materials that could match them in comfort. Especially if you suffer from some form of foot or heel pain, the extra cushioning could provide some relief that you might believe is exactly what you need. Unfortunately, memory foam insoles could potentially cause more problems than they solve. Pros and Cons of Memory Foam Insoles Memory Foam is Plastic and Elastic Memory foam molds to whatever shape exerts pressure on it, and while this could be supportive in an individual with perfect form and foot design, memory foam will naturally mold to a poor gait as well. If you have slight issues with your feet, the memory foam will adhere to those errors and exacerbate them as the insoles start to degrade over time. Memory Foam Doesn’t Last Long Whereas hard-plastic insoles can last a few years without needing to be replaced, memory foam tends to degrade rapidly and so any issues that are caused by memory foam insoles can quickly become severe. Memory Foam May Cause Long-Term Issues Even if you don't have severe issues in your feet, the problems caused by memory foam insoles are not immediately noticeable and therefore not immediately attributed to the insoles. If your feet are slightly destabilized, it could lead to minor issues throughout your legs, hips, and lower back, that become more prominent over time and lead to secondary conditions such as overpronation and plantar fasciitis. You may not even notice some developed issues being directly caused by your memory foam insoles as they wouldn't necessarily feel uncomfortable compared to harder insoles. Should You Wear Memory Foam Insoles? Unless you can verify that your gait and foot position is 100% perfect, memory foam insoles seem to present more risk than reward. If you do have foot issues that need addressing with the use of insoles, consult a podiatrist as they can recommend the correct type of insole for your specific criteria. » Learn more about different kinds of custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis by reading our guide on memory foam vs. gel insoles
Asked 2 months ago
Should You Wear Orthotic Insoles for Flat Feet While Weightlifting?
Lifting weight with flat feet could negatively affect your performance in the gym. Wearing proper insoles can be an ideal solution, and it can be useful for your foot's health. Flat Feet and Weightlifting Weightlifting with flat feet can be a hazardous task for your body, especially while hitting lower parts of the body like legs. Lifting heavy weights with flat feet could give insurmountable pressure on joints such as your knees or even lower back. » Discover the best insoles for weightlifting with flat feet Do Flat Feet Affect Your Weightlifting Performance? While you might not experience it drastically at first, weightlifting with flat feet would hamper the mobility of the body. Given the extra pressure that your knees and lower back will have to absorb due to flat feet, it can certainly diminish your full weightlifting performance in the gym. Should I Wear Orthotics While Lifting Weights? Whether you have flat feet or not, you can use orthotics in your gym shoes as they would only give you positive results (assuming you have the right orthotics for your feet). It would not only keep your feet safe and free from potential injuries but also would enhance your performance in the gym, allowing you to lift heavier weights more frequently. That being said, it's important to make sure that your orthotics are right for your feet as poorly made orthotics that don't match your unique measurements could force your feet to work in incorrect manners and harm you in the future. » Do you do a lot of squatting? Then explore the best insoles to wear while squatting to aid heel elevation
Asked 2 months ago
Should You Put Orthotic Insoles Into Your Gym Shoes?
While it is not absolutely necessary, putting orthotic insoles in your weightlifting shoes can enhance your weightlifting performance. Well-made orthotic insoles create a notable impact. How Does Your Insole Affect Your Weightlifting Performance? A weightlifter can benefit from wearing insoles as a lot of factors play roles in the gym to balance out a perfect workout. Similar to using weightlifting belts, using orthotic insoles in your gym shoes can do wonders. They would help you control your balance and distribute the weight pressure properly in your body. You should be keeping a better balance whether training with free weights or using machine weights. Insoles would also make sure that your joints are protected. Moreover, you would see significant improvement in your weightlifting performance while training in the gym. » Are you a weightlifter with flat feet? Purchase the best insoles for weightlifting A Final Thought If you don't already own a pair of orthotics or insoles and don't have any prevalent foot conditions, or if your workouts are going fine and not creating any issues along the lines of pain or excessive discomfort and fatigue, then purchasing a pair of orthotics might not be necessary. If you can afford the extra cash and want to give yourself some extra support and stability, then absolutely go for it, but don't feel like you will be held back without them. Additionally, make sure that the insoles you do purchase are right for your feet as poorly made insoles or orthotics designed for specific conditions that you don't have will force your muscles to operate in a certain way that could damage your progress and create issues in the long run.
Asked 2 months ago
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Plantar Fibroma?
A plantar fibroma is a nodule in the arch of the foot that develops in the plantar fascia. Though benign, this nodule continues to grow slowly over time. It then begins to cause pain while walking, running, or performing ordinary activities of daily living. Symptoms of Plantar Fibroma A plantar fibroma begins with a nodule that is barely noticeable in the foot arch. As it grows, pain becomes the primary symptom. A point comes when you begin to feel the pressure of the nodule in the sole of your foot as if you’re stepping on a rock. At this stage, the lump is also noticeable at the base of your foot. Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat a Plantar Fibroma Treatment of plantar fibroma aims to relieve pain and reduce any growth. To do this, you can use apple cider vinegar, a substance produced by further fermenting apple cider. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties. When used, it can lead to the quick dissolution of the hardening tissue. You can soak a piece of tissue or towel in the vinegar and tape it to the sole of the affected foot overnight, allowing time for absorption to take place. » Learn about the best insoles for plantar fibroma and much more Reducing Plantar Fibroma Symptoms While there is no verifiable medical evidence about the efficacy of apple cider vinegar in managing plantar fibroma, there are many patient-specific reports about its effectiveness. Thus, several studies are ongoing into the nature of its effect. In its place, you can also consider other home treatments such as the use of ice, orthotics (gel, foam pad, and insoles), massage, and stretching exercises.
Asked 2 months ago
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