Heel insert and cups:
There are mainly two different types of heel inserts are used for a variety of medical circumstances that includes leg length discrepancy, lower back pain, Achilles tendon problems, heel spurs, arthritic inflammation and gait correction. Some of these conditions need very different types of inserts to alleviate pain or inflammation in a wide variety of joints, muscles and connective tissue. Heel lifts and heel cushions are not the same thing. Firm heel lifts or shoe lifts are used as treatment or support for various reasons like leg length discrepancy, postural imbalance, lower back pain or spinal scoliosis, Achilles tendon conditions, rehabilitation needs, prosthetic adjustment and sports uses like gait or golf swing correction or compensation for tilted running surfaces.
Use of heel inserts:
Soft heel pads or heel cushions are used for other conditions like impact, generated conditions. The repeated impacts of walking or running can be the cause of pain in various joints and muscles in the lower body and back, particularly if irritation is already present. Pressure related problems like plantar warts or heel spurs, where stress on a small area of the heel is painful. This document does not tackle soft heel cushions or heel pads. It is planned to give guidance only in selecting heel lifts which are firm heel inserts used for conditions where altitude of one or both heels is necessary for various biomechanical reasons.
Types of heel inserts:
Heel cups are heel inserts that cup the heel to provide extra cushioning and support for the heel area. These heel inserts are usually are made from gel and other soft materials, and sit right in the heel area of the shoes. Heel cushions are heel inserts that go under the heel to provide extra cushioning when one runs and walk. One can need to remove the shoe’s current insoles when one slips in these cushioning heel inserts to ensure a good fit. Other types of heel inserts are designed to prevent blishers, chafing and friction when one wears the shoes. All of these heel insert options can help relieve the heel problems.