Importance of Insoles for Pregnant Women
A pregnant woman experiences many changes in her body and is often susceptible to many aches and pains. There is added weight, difficulty moving, and hormonal changes. There are common complaints of foot/ankle pain, foot swelling, back pain, and even changes in the normal mechanics of walking. The mom-to-be will notice a change in her center of gravity which will affect the normal movements of required for everyday life. Due to the physical, mental, and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, no one solution is available to solve the “negative” side effects of pregnancy. With this in mind, many products do exist to make life less painful and more tolerable during pregnancy. Shoe insoles and heel cups are used by many people to help alleviate their foot, ankle, knee, hip and/or back pain. Insoles provide cushion and may help correct/support movements that are a cause for injuries or discomfort.
The amount of weight a woman can expect to gain depends on her pre-pregnancy weight. Estimates are anywhere from 15-40 pounds so it is apparent why there is an onset of pain in the joints, back, and even difficulty with walking and other normal tasks. Insoles provide cushion and often immediate relief of pain and while making walking more comfortable. Insoles that provide arch support help maintain proper foot alignment and will help prevent overpronation. Overpronation means that the foot “rolls” excessively to the inside (towards the arch) and thus compromises the body’s natural support structure. A compromised and unsupported foot may mean altered joint angles thus resulting in pain in the ankles, knees, and/or hips. This can in turn be a contributing factor to low back pain. Altered foot mechanics are not the only thing that may cause back pain, but eliminating one probable cause will help!
Many experts recommend an exercise program to keep both mom and baby healthy. In addition, this will help prevent additional and often unnecessary weight gain. Insoles and heel cups will make the foot and related joints more comfortable, and therefore the person is more likely to engage in physical activity. The feet and ankles usually retain fluid during pregnancy, but contrary to popular belief this is not due to the excess weight. This edema is a result of an increase in fluid and blood that is present as a result of the pregnancy. The body retains more water and also has a decrease in its ability to bring blood from the lower limbs back to the heart. Again, one of the recommendations to help alleviate the edema is to taken short from either sitting or standing, rotate the legs and gently stretch the lower extremities, and engage in short bouts of exercise. The aforementioned list of recommendations is not all inclusive, but it makes apparent how insoles can benefit a pregnant female. A more comfortable, less achy lower leg is more likely to be used and thus edema can be decreased.
An often overlooked component of activity and potential for increased pain occurs after the baby is born. The demands placed on the new mom are greatly increased as she responds to the baby’s needs. For the parents, this means many hours running around and being on their feet. Insoles provide cushion and comfort; the perfect recipe for an overworked mom. At a time when the baby is the primary concern, insoles can be a minuscule source of joy for the loving parent(s).
It is important to realize that not all insoles are created equal. Many people are tempted to purchase cheap, over the counter insoles. These are convenient to buy and readily available, but they do not wear well and usually do not last very long. These lower priced products only maintain their cushion for a short period of time. A truly comfortable and long lasting insole and product will be a much wiser investment. The American Podiatry Medical Association recognizes products made with Sorbathane due to its increased ability to provide cushion. The insoles are lightweight and fit very well inside a variety of shoes. Unlike other insoles, the proprietary material that makes up this product will not lose its ability to stabilize the foot nor its ability to dampen shock. For over a quarter of a century, Sorbathane products have been used in a variety of settings when shock absorption and vibration isolation was required. The engineers behind the product saw the deficiencies of insoles and arch supports that were on the market and they created a superior product with their incredible material. Sorbathane insoles can be incredibly beneficial and will help ease some aches and pains that a pregnant female may experience. A nice side note, they come with a money back guarantee. Although there are no counter-indications with using an insole, advise your doctor about your purchase and pass along any information you find useful.
