Prefabricated Insoles and Modifications in Sports Medicine

Abstract

Over-the-counter, ready-made, or prefabricated insoles are marketed widely for relief of foot pain. Shoe stores, sporting goods stores, grocery stores, drug stores have shelves filled with such inserts in all different shapes and sizes. One is able to type “shoe insert” or “over-the-counter foot insert” into a search engine and find more than one million choices. It is not uncommon for the average athlete to self-treat a foot problem using these products prior to seeking professional advice. It is also common for the medical professional to suggest prefabricated insoles before referring them to a podiatric physician or other specialist for care. There are instances when these insoles resolve, or at least improve, the patient’s main complaint; however, there are also times when the nonprescription device does more harm than good. Unfortunately, some professionals and nonprofessionals (shoe stores, internet sites, etc.) market over-the-counter insoles as true, corrective orthoses.