What’s a heel insert? Is it an orthotic? Who needs them? Why are they needed? These may be questions roaming around in your mind if you’re new to the whole idea that adding orthotics, inserts or insoles to your shoes can make the world of a difference in how happy your feet are.
Probably the best heel insert on the market is the Orthaheel Gel Heel Orthotics. These aren’t just a little pad that is inserted in the area right under your heel such as the Pedag heel insert. Instead, this is a well-constructed, well thought out product that fits snugly into your shoe and gives you cushioning for your heel that you need when you have Achille’s tendonitis, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or athlete’s foot that leaves the skin on the feet of your heels dry, cracked and open.
To create the Orthaheel Gel Heel Orthotics product, the company’s engineers located the exact place in the heel where the heel strikes the ground with every step. It’s at that location that they decided to add a heel cup shock dot of gel for extra support and cushioning in their heel insert. You can turn this heel insert over and see the gel shock dot to prove it’s there.
The test of a product is often whether or not the American Podiatric Association will accept it or not – and whether or not the podiatrists will recommend it. Both these conditions are met by the Orthaheel Gel Heel Orthotics, and it’s a product commonly recommended.
You’ll also find that the heel cup on this heel insert is deep, which helps your foot stay in proper alignment as you walk. There’s a small rear foot wedge so your foot won’t overpronate. The act of overpronation is where the medial longitudinal arch part of the foot collapses and the foot spreads out medially as you walk.
There’s an inbuilt arch support in the orthotic and it fits well in shoes that are tight fitting.
The Orthaheel Gel Heel Orthotics also have a top coat that’s soft so there are no harsh edges anywhere that could rub against your foot and cause a problem.
If you have any type of heel pain, seriously consider this orthotic. It could be enough to start your quick recovery. Lining up your heel to the proper alignment goes a long way to begin the healing process.