Biomechanics and Custom Insoles: How Podiatry Insoles Can Support Your Feet

Ibrahim Miah

Oct 1

3 min read

The way your feet move when you walk, stand or run can have an important role in your overall foot and lower-limb function. This is known as biomechanics — the assessment of how the feet, ankles and lower limbs move and interact with the ground.

At Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry, our podiatrists can assess your lower-limb biomechanics and, where appropriate, create custom-made insoles designed around your individual foot shape, movement and needs.

What is biomechanics?

Biomechanics looks at how the body moves and how forces are transferred through the feet and lower limbs.

During a biomechanical assessment, a podiatrist may look at factors such as:

Foot and ankle movement
The position and function of the arches
Pronation and supination
Rearfoot and forefoot alignment
The way your feet load and distribute pressure
Your walking pattern
Lower-limb alignment
The relationship between your feet, ankles, knees and hips

Every person's feet are different, and there is no single "ideal" foot shape or walking pattern. The purpose of a biomechanical assessment is to understand how your individual feet function and whether this may be contributing to your symptoms or affecting your activity.

What are custom insoles?

Custom insoles, sometimes referred to as orthotics or foot orthoses, are devices designed specifically for an individual's feet.

Unlike standard off-the-shelf insoles, custom insoles can be designed around your particular foot shape, biomechanics, footwear and requirements.

Depending on the assessment, an insole may incorporate features such as:

Arch support
Heel control
Medial or lateral wedging
Forefoot modifications
Metatarsal or other pressure-relieving accommodations
Cushioning and shock-absorbing materials
Different levels of support and flexibility

The exact design depends on the findings of your assessment rather than using the same insole for everyone.

How can custom insoles help?

Custom insoles may be recommended where a change in how the foot is supported or loaded could be beneficial.

They may be considered for people experiencing problems such as:

Plantar heel pain
Certain types of arch or foot pain
Forefoot pain
Some overuse injuries
Foot fatigue during prolonged standing or walking
Problems associated with particular foot or lower-limb mechanics
Certain sporting or activity-related problems

However, insoles are not appropriate for every foot problem. Your podiatrist will assess your individual circumstances and determine whether custom insoles are suitable for you.

Our approach to custom insoles

At Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry, our podiatrists don't simply prescribe the same insole for every patient.

We consider your symptoms, foot structure, biomechanics, footwear, activities and individual requirements when deciding whether an insole may be appropriate.

Where custom insoles are recommended, the design can be tailored to your feet and the specific findings of your assessment.

The aim is to provide an insole that works with your footwear and supports your individual requirements, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Do I need custom insoles?

Not everyone needs custom insoles. In some cases, footwear advice, exercises, activity modification or other forms of podiatry treatment may be more appropriate.

If you are experiencing ongoing foot or lower-limb problems, a biomechanical assessment can help identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and whether custom insoles could form part of your treatment.

Book a biomechanical assessment

If you would like to find out whether custom insoles could be suitable for you, our podiatrists can assess your feet and lower-limb biomechanics and discuss the most appropriate options for your individual needs.

Advanced Chiropody & Podiatry provides professional podiatry care and custom insole assessments for patients looking for personalised support for their feet and lower limbs.

07899615458 | advancedchiropody@gmail.com