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
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 6 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 6 months ago
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 6 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 6 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 6 months ago