Comprehensive treatment of plantar fasciitis necessarily includes complete unloading of the affected heel.
To protect and reduce static and dynamic loads on the heel, heel pads are used for heel spurs, the price of which is affordable for everyone.
Orthopedic heel pads are shoe inserts installed in the heel area.
Which heel pads are best to use for spurs and how to choose them correctly? We'll talk about this below.
Why are heel pads needed for heel spurs?
In appearance, heel pads resemble insoles with the front part cut off. Unlike insoles, the products have low edges, and their thickness is in the range of 3-15 mm. Orthopedic devices under the heel are fixed in shoes using an adhesive base.
There are silicone and leather heel pads. Silicone shock absorbers are placed inside genuine leather products.
The principle of operation of heel pads is as follows: they lift and cushion the heel, giving it an anatomical position. The heel with a spur experiences minimal stress when walking, which leads to a decrease in pain and inflammation.
Wearing heel supports regularly will not only shorten the healing process for fasciitis, but will also help prevent gait and foot deformities that people often experience with bunions.
The advantages of using high-quality heel pads are obvious:
- reducing the load on the heel fascia;
- protection against impact when walking;
- stimulation of blood circulation in the feet;
- prevention of leg fatigue;
- reducing the negative impact of flat feet;
- reducing the intensity of the spike pressure;
- accelerating the fascia restoration process;
- creating comfort when walking.
Heel pads used for heel spurs can be used to prevent spinal problems and the recurrence of the heel spur after treatment.
Top 5: best orthopedic heel supports for heel spurs
Pharmacies and online stores offer a large selection of heel pads of various shapes and functions. Please note that not all products are suitable for people with plantar fasciitis.
Taking into account the recommendations of orthopedic doctors and traumatologists, we have selected the 5 best heel pads that really help get rid of inflammation of the fascia and heel spurs:
Shock-absorbing gel heel pads
The products are gel heel pads and are made using a special technology using soft gel material and unique FORTA silicone.
The heel with the spur is conveniently placed in a small recess, which leads to a significant reduction in the pressure of the build-up on the surrounding tissues. These heel pads can be used with any shoe, and are especially indispensable for women who wear high heels.
The products are durable, easy to care for, do not deform and completely eliminate the pain caused by heel spikes.
Silicone heel pads with soft insert
The soft insert in the center of the product is perfect for positioning a bone growth. Thus, the silicone heel pad reduces the pressure that the heel produces on the surrounding tissues and eliminates pain.
This device is made of medical silicone with antibacterial properties. Wide sides make this heel support comfortable for patients with Achilles spurs, gently relieving the back of the heel.
The beveled shape allows you to effectively support the arch of the foot and evenly distribute pressure on the foot.
Leather heel pad with removable elements
The peculiarity of this product is the presence of a removable element, inside of which you can place a spur, which thus does not cause pain when walking. The base of the heel pad with a removable element is made of silicone, which provides shock absorption for the heel during movement.
The top layer of eco-leather allows the foot to “breathe” and absorbs moisture. This heel support is suitable for people with a special structure of the bone growth, for whom it is especially difficult to select unloading orthopedic devices.
Shock-absorbing leather heel pad
The product has a solid insert in the center, which fixes the heel in the correct position and protects from dynamic loads. The presence of perforations on the top layer of leather promotes a massage effect when walking and stimulates blood circulation.
This leather heel support is suitable for people with small spurs who lead an active lifestyle. The heel support can be worn with shoes for any purpose: sports, indoor, street, relieving the arch of the foot and heel.
Orthopedic heel pads with memory effect
Memory Foam products are suitable for people with different stages of heel spurs. The versatility of the memory foam heel pad is explained by its structure - the products are made of polyurethane foam, which takes the shape of the heel during use.
The heel pad softens under the influence of weight and heat from your feet and takes on the most comfortable shape.
All described orthopedic heel supports for heel spurs, the price of which depends on the model, are made of high-quality hypoallergenic materials. They are recommended for wearing by orthopedic doctors.
You can buy heel pads in the Healthy Feet online store, making the right choice.
How to choose orthopedic insoles
The main attention when selecting is paid to the size of the foot and the purpose of the insole.
If a mistake is made when choosing a size, this may lead to a decrease in the positive effect or its absence, so the patient must clearly understand how to choose an orthopedic insole. It should fit snugly to the shoes, preventing movement and wrinkles while walking. Before choosing, you need to consult a doctor. Based on complaints, examination and research, the specialist will select the appropriate type. The patient only has to determine the appropriate price category and design for himself.
How to choose orthopedic insoles for flat feet
It is necessary to know what types of disease is divided into, namely:
- transverse;
- mixed (combined);
- longitudinal
In accordance with these types, a specific type of insole is selected.
How to choose orthopedic insoles for transverse flat feet
This type of flatfoot has three degrees of severity. The first degree - the thumb deviates slightly to the side, as well as the emergence of a stage when a lump forms on the bone. The second degree is a significant angle of curvature of the thumb (35 degrees). Third degree - deformation of all fingers occurs.
There are several parameters that answer the question of how to choose insoles for this type of flatfoot. They should be equipped with a pelota, or metatarsal pad. It provides support to the transverse arch. Thus, the load is reduced and pain is relieved.
Longitudinal flatfoot: what insoles are needed?
With this type of flatfoot, various disorders can occur, such as pain in the knees, joints, varicose veins, and poor posture.
How to choose orthopedic insoles for an adult with longitudinal flat feet? In this case, the doctor will prescribe the mandatory presence of an instep support in the insole. It ensures even distribution of the load on the foot, which helps reduce pain and discomfort. A common material for the production of such insoles is high-temperature plastic, which makes it possible to support the heel and arch.
Insoles for flat feet: how to choose if you have mixed type of flat feet
In this situation, flattening of both arches occurs. Here, treatment focuses on reducing and relieving pain. For such purposes, an insole made of rigid or frame material is suitable. The heel, instep support and heel shock absorber provide support, which reduces the load, as well as a positive overall effect on the spine and joints
Which heel pads are best for heel spurs?
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- size and location of the heel spike;
- anatomical features of the foot;
- height, weight, foot size;
- for which shoes the products are selected;
- the presence of concomitant diseases of the limbs and spine.
Our online store consultants will help you choose the best option and tell you in detail about the features of each type of product.
If used correctly, you will feel the effect after the first day of wearing the heel support. When choosing where to buy heel pads for heel spurs, give preference to reliable stores.
Don't buy cheap, low-quality products that promise instant results. To completely get rid of fasciitis, you need to wear heel pads every day for 2-3 months, and also follow all the doctor’s prescriptions and recommendations.
Alternative orthopedic designs
In addition to orthopedic heel pads, people with fasciitis can use special insoles. The choice of insoles is carried out according to the same principle: the characteristics of the disease and the foot are taken into account.
We have compiled for you a detailed review of the top 10 best insoles for spurs, which will help you make your choice.
During the treatment process, patients are also recommended to use a Strasbourg sock, which helps restore damaged heel tissue at night.
You can buy certified heel pads and other products for feet with heel spurs on our website. We guarantee prompt delivery of orders throughout Russia by courier and mail.
You can also receive the ordered goods at one of our delivery points, which operate in all regions of the Russian Federation. Find out more in the Delivery and payment section.
Brief conclusion
- Firstly, you need to know for what purpose an orthopedic insole is needed (treatment, prevention, comfortable walking).
- Secondly, decide on the type of insole and its material.
- Thirdly, you need to know your foot size.
- Then you need to consult a doctor in order to accurately determine the insole model you need.
- If you have a certain disease, then only a doctor will tell you what exactly is right for you (in this case it is better not to skimp on money, health is everything to us).
