Controversial topic, dear readers. But for those who follow my column here, you know that these are the ones I like to talk about the most. The insole is almost a Cruzerio X Atlético in some debates. Some love it and some hate it. But passions aside, let’s bring a little science to the subject?

Insoles are devices used under the feet, custom-made or not, with the theoretical objective of improving certain biomechanical aspects or relieving certain painful symptoms.

The fact is that since the emergence of this “idea” the thing has become a panacea. There are professionals who definitely recommend insoles to all patients, painful or not, whatever their problems, to treat things on the feet and outside, up to the temporomandibular joint, which is in the mouth (that’s right, in the mouth), based on pseudoscience or “broad” professional experience. This prescription is almost closer to commerce than health care.

This involuntary and widespread use has created a huge imagination in the population. It is common knowledge that any foot pain can be relieved by insoles, and it is not true. On the contrary, the sole can do harm in several cases.

I cite here a brief example of a patient with a rigid foot planism deformity (flat foot, harder) who tries to use a custom-made insole which fatally aggravates his pain and regrets having invested so much in this orthosis.

There is a group of Canadian physiotherapists, in particular, who abhor the use of insoles, of any type and for any purpose, with the idea that they weaken the muscles of the foot, called Foot Core, or Foot Core. Anyone interested can access much of their content on @thefootcollective.

On the other hand, there are several patients who benefit from the use of well-prescribed and well-indicated insoles, preferably for a short period. I support the idea that the definitive insole of the foot can be deleterious in many cases and ends up being an easy and quick option for the patient, but this has repercussions later.

Take care of your feet, they are the ones that take you further and further!