State-of-the-art scanning technology and 3D printing are revolutionising how physiotherapists assess and treat foot-related issues.
In today’s blog, we’ll take a deeper look into how we’re using these technologies to create 3D printed insoles, as well as what this might mean for you whether you’re an athlete striving for peak performance, someone dealing with chronic foot pain, or simply looking to improve your daily comfort.
Why badly fitting insoles are a problem
Usually, the insoles in your shoes are mass-produced to fit a wide range of people. While this doesn’t always cause a problem, the long-term use of badly fitting insoles can be responsible for:
- Pain and discomfort – without the necessary arch support, you may experience problems in the arches, heels, and/or balls of your feet
- Pressure points that cause blisters and calluses
- Worsening of foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis
Since our musculoskeletal structures are connected from head to toe, poorly fitting insoles can also lead to a wide range of aches and pains throughout the body.
Problems such as knee pain or hip pain, for example, are often caused by poor foot alignment or by insoles that don’t cater to flat feet or high arches.
Pain and discomfort can extend further up your body to your lower back or spine. Indeed, chronic back issues often relate to the alignment of your feet! These alignment issues can even cause wear and tear of your joints, potentially leading to arthritis and other degenerative conditions.
Poor posture – in this case, caused by misaligned feet – can even cause digestive problems and recurring headaches.
With the incorrect insoles, athletes can experience decreased performance, greater fatigue, and a higher risk of injury. Even routine activities like walking or standing for long periods can become painful and challenging with the wrong insoles.
It’s astonishing really that something as simple as how your feet are supported by the right insoles can have such an impact on your life. Even your mental health can suffer due to dealing with chronic pain and reduced activity levels – problems that can lead to anxiety, depression, and a downturn in your overall life satisfaction.
What are 3D Printed Insoles?
You are unique and you move in a unique way, which means you need a unique solution to support your movement. Using the right insoles tailored to your specific foot structure and needs is crucial for addressing many of the problems we’ve touched on above.
New technologies are stepping up (pun intended!) insole customisation to a new level.
Using advanced imaging techniques, a 3D foot scan measures the contours, dimensions, and alignment of your feet in a matter of seconds. In addition, a skilled biomechanist can map your walking and running patterns to identify pressure points and other key pieces of information.
This data is then used to create a comprehensive map of your foot structure. Based on this data, it’s now possible to 3D print insoles that fit your feet perfectly to address any problems you may be experiencing.
Like you, the insoles are one of a kind, but they can be used in almost any footwear to increase your comfort.
The benefits of 3D printed insoles
3D printed insoles offer many benefits.
Having an accurate understanding of your foot structure and biomechanics is crucial for diagnosing problems that might not be visible to the naked eye.
The detailed information gathered from a foot scan allows for the creation of customised footwear solutions tailored specifically to your needs.
Perhaps most importantly, early detection of potential foot problems means that they can be addressed before they develop into more serious issues, an important factor in protecting your long-term wellbeing.
Custom 3D printed insoles are comfortable and durable and can be made to within 0.1mm accuracy of what your foot needs for optimal comfort. Corrective elements are incorporated within the insole rather than being glued on top of a generic template – this greatly improves the fit and the longevity of each insole. It’s also possible to apply different levels of stiffness or flexibility to different areas, depending on what you need.
Who can benefit from having 3D printed insoles?
If you’re an athlete, you can use the insights gained from advanced foot scanning technologies to improve your performance and prevent injuries by ensuring that you footwear provides the best possible support and alignment.
If you’re someone who suffers from chronic foot pain or discomfort – or other musculoskeletal issues that your physiotherapist believes originate from your feet – then having 3D printed insoles may help you find comfort and relief.
Moreover, if you have a specific condition such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches, you will benefit from a personalised approach to treatment that targets your unique foot structure.
3D printed insoles at PhysioBox
Having 3D printed insoles made for you is straightforward and non-invasive.
If you come to PhysioBox for this, you will be asked to stand on a 3D scanner, which will take detailed measurements of your feet. The scan is quick and painless. One of our experienced biomechanists will also ask you to walk and run so that they can scan and analyse your movement patterns.
Armed with information about your unique foot structure and any potential issues, we set about designing your custom foot insoles to be sent away for 3D printing. During this consultation, you’re welcome to bring your favourite shoes so that we can ensure your custom insoles will fit perfectly in your preferred type of footwear.
Typically, your insoles will be ready for a final fit and quality check and collection approximately seven to 10 days after your initial appointment.
Don’t let foot pain or discomfort hold you back – contact us to learn more about our 3D foot scanning technology and 3D printed insoles. Your feet will thank you!
