Dr. Reed Ferber’s Gait Analysis & Footwear Prescription Presentation
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Support or control? What Dr. Reed Ferber says is the key to an effective orthotic
The trend in insoles is to control the heel. Traditional wisdom tells us that by controlling the heel, the rest of the foot and body properly align, helping prevent and remedy all sorts of ailments. But new research does not support this theory. In truth, you’d be hard-pressed to find any research vouching for the virtues of a controlled heel.
According to Dr. Reed Ferber of the University of Calgary Running Injury Clinic, an orthotic device should not inhibit the foot from doing what it wants to. “Why is this a good thing” you might be wondering? Well, it seems that support – not control – is the key to an effective orthotic and good foot health.
Using a model of the plantar fascia of the foot (the thick connective tissue that supports the arch), Dr. Reed was able to see what a foot does inside a shoe. He was also able to see what happens to the foot inside a shoe with an orthotic device. What he discovered was that SOLE Custom Footbeds don’t control the heel. They also don’t prevent arch deformation during the footfall. But they do reduce plantar fascia strain (inflammation of the plantar fascia). In fact, straight out of the box, SOLE Custom Footbeds reduce strain by 23% and this only increases as the Footbed moulds to the foot (it’s true, our insoles contour to each unique foot, putting the “Custom” in our Custom Footbeds). By letting the foot do exactly what it wants to, while keeping the arch supported, SOLE Custom Footbeds are the only over-the-counter orthotics shown to reduce plantar fasciitis by an average of 34%.
As a standard part of care for anyone with lower body issues, Dr. Reed Ferber prescribes an orthotic that supports the plantar fascia, reducing strain so that focus can be on building strength in problem areas. SOLE Custom Footbeds do just that. With a deep heel cup that doesn’t immobilize the heel but rather optimizes its natural cushioning, and with an arch that depresses to the right height for personalized support, SOLEs are an increasingly attractive option for those suffering from foot and lower body issues. And, at just one-tenth of the cost of a custom orthotic (which can put you out $450 or more), they’re even more appealing.
“Using a model of the plantar fascia of the foot, we measured how much strain could be reduced by wearing an orthotic device. We learned that a custom orthotic, which can cost upwards of $450, isn’t the only preventative measure for plantar fasciitis. An over-the-counter device like SOLE – which is what we used – is also very effective at reducing stress and strain in the foot” – Dr. Ferber, University of Calgary Running Injury Clinic