For people suffering from lower back pain or leg length discrepancies, the use of heel lifts can be very beneficial. The use of heel lifts can gently and gradually take the pain out of your daily life and make walking and standing that much more comfortable and pain-free. A heel lift is essentially a shoe insole that simply fits into your shoes and elevates your heels at an angle that takes the pressure off of your lower back, hips, shoulders, neck, and of course ankles.
Often called shoe lifts or shoe inserts insoles, these inserts can be made from a range of materials such as flexible plastic, hard foam, or a combination of the two materials. It is not generally recommended to start using heel lifts without prior consultation with a doctor who specializes in this area, or at least with your own general physician. If used incorrectly or used when not required, these shoe inserts can make any existing injuries or pain a lot worse rather than better.
With the proper guidance of a foot and back specialist you will undergo a series of tests to determine if these insoles will indeed help to eliminate your aches and pains or if they will fix any leg length discrepancies (depending on what your specific problem is). If a heel lift or adjustable heel is required, you will probably need to get custom-made inserts for your shoes. You will also be required to bring in the shoes you wear most frequently and inserts will be made that fit both your heel and arch as well as your shoes.
Be sure to follow the advice of your doctor when starting out with your shoe inserts. You will not be able to start out using them all day and everyday, since it will take a while for your body to adjust to the new foot and back alignment. If you’re not sure if your condition requires heel lifts, here is a brief list of some of the most common issues or health problems for which these shoe lifts are prescribed or suggested: – For the recovery of Achilles tendon injuries – To help eliminate the effects of scoliosis – To enable physical therapy for stroke patients who have issues with their gait – Takes the pressure off of your lower back to alleviate disc pain – Helps you correct any imbalances in the pelvis – Helps you to improve upon your spinal strength and stability.
As you can see there are a wide-range of symptoms and conditions that can be alleviated and fixed with the simple addition of heel lifts. If you suffer from any of these conditions or injuries, it is worth taking the time to consult your doctor or physical therapist about the use of heel lifts. When talking to your doctor or physical therapist be sure to fully explain your symptoms and bring the shoes that you wear most frequently with you on your visit. This way the specialists can assess how and when to best have you using heel lifts.
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