Expert knowledge

Will orthopedic insoles in footwear bother me?

Answered by Dejan Tašner, B.P.O.:

Footwear should not be too big or too small and too tight if we want our walking and standing to be comfortable. A custom-made orthopedic insole should become a part of your footwear, which with its functionality contributes to comfort and an improved feeling in the feet.

Therefore, a very important step in the production of custom-made orthopedic insoles is professional diagnostics, where we precisely define the reasons and solutions that will be reached by using custom-made orthopedic insoles. This is followed by taking over the insoles, where we adjust the insoles in your footwear, and control after a few weeks, where we monitor the patient's feelings and the condition of the feet.

Why does the heel hurt?

Answered by assist. dr. Matjaž Merc, Ph.D. med.:

The heel most often hurts due to plantar fasciitis, also known as heel spur. It is a disease in which the growth of connective tissue that grows on the heel becomes inflamed. The band connective tissue on the sole (plantar fascia) is a very loaded structure of the foot, which otherwise takes care of the correct shape of the arch of the foot. This disease is especially common when working for a long time or when using the wrong shoes.

Why are we talking about heel spur regarding plantar fasciitis?

Answer from: assist. dr. Matjaž Merc, Ph.D. med.:

The expression reflects a typical x-ray where there is a thorn-like tip heel. It should be emphasized that we do not usually see a thorn-like image on x-rays, however, it could also be plantar fasciitis. The thorn on the x-ray is therefore not the cause of heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

How do we treat plantar fasciitis?

Answered by asst. dr. Matjaž Merc, Ph.D. med.:

First, we assess the mobility of the foot and the point of greatest pain. Often, in the first phase, we decide on physical therapy, prescribe orthopedic inserts to the patient, and refer him to shock wave therapy. Despite intensive treatment, the pain can persist for months. In such a case, a medicine that reduces inflammation can be injected into the painful area. Surgery is the last resort, but fortunately it is rarely needed.

What to do if the Achilles tendon hurts or if the doctor finds inflammation of the Achilles tendon growth (Haglund's exostosis)?

Answered by assist. dr. Matjaž Merc, Ph.D. med.:

We usually try to treat Achilles tendon diseases conservatively. The Achilles tendon is relieved, and the patient is referred for physical therapy. We recommend the use of comfortable footwear and custom orthopedic insoles, and if this is not enough, we decide on an operation in which the heel is relieved, or the Achilles tendon is made.

Do I need more pairs of insoles?

Answered by Dejan Tašner, B.P.O.:

We make custom orthopedic insoles that can be used in several pairs of shoes. Therefore, you should also bring as many pairs of footwear that you use as possible with you for the examination and collection of orthopedic insoles. This way, the engineer can advise on the footwear that is right for you and make an orthopedic insole that will primarily solve your problems, and secondly, it will also be useful for making as much of your diverse footwear as possible. The optimal solution would certainly be the production of an individual orthopedic insole for each pair of footwear, as this would achieve a complete adjustment of the orthopedic insole in an individual pair of footwear.

However, people often use very different types of footwear. An orthopedic insole that we fit into a sleek shoe that is narrower may not have real utility in a wider or sportier shoe model. However, when using several pairs of footwear at the same time, changing orthopedic insoles from shoe to shoe can be quite time consuming. We often also have special shoes for an activity or work in another location, which makes it impossible for us to change orthopedic insoles.

To achieve the best results, it makes sense to use as many custom orthopedic insoles as possible, or all the time while walking or standing. Therefore, making a second pair of custom orthopedic insoles may be the right solution.

You can decide to order an additional pair of custom orthopedic insoles at any time, you only need to do a short check.

Do I have to buy bigger shoes because of a custom-made orthopedic insole?

Answered by Dejan Tašner, B.P.O.:

Footwear should always match the size of the foot. Too big or too small footwear will do more harm than good to your feet and comfort. Before making custom orthopedic insoles, the orthotics and prosthetics engineer first examines your footwear, so it is necessary to bring as many pairs of shoes that you often use as possible. Based on knowledge and experience, the engineer also advises you which footwear is more or less suitable for you.

The footwear you use is an important factor in the technical production of a custom orthopedic insole. The insoles are designed so that the patient can always wear them, which means that they fit as many different pairs of footwear as possible. However, when the patient has very different types of footwear (e.g., elegant shoes, saloons, hiking boots, sports shoes, etc.), which he changes regularly, it makes sense to order additional pairs of custom orthopedic insoles.

What do we need to keep a close eye on while putting the insoles from one pair of shoes to another??

Answer from: Dejan Tašner, B.P.O.:

Each patient receives detailed instructions for the use and maintenance of orthopedic insoles when receiving custom orthopedic insoles. In the production of custom orthopedic insoles, we use high-quality materials that, with proper maintenance, can perform their function for one to two years. When inserting our custom orthopedic insoles into your footwear, it is important that the insoles are nicely aligned and that they sit nicely in the shoe. When wearing shoes, be careful how you handle the shoe accessories (spoon) to avoid damaging the protection of the insole.

Orthopedic insoles should be removed from the shoes and ventilated several times a week. They should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then air-dried. It is important not to expose them to direct heat sources (radiator, stove, etc.) as unwanted shrinkage of materials may occur.