SelectFlex- World's Only Arch Adjustable Orthotic Insole for PAIN RELIEF.

Heel stability refers to the ability of the heel bone to remain stable and secure while we walk, run, or perform other activities. Heel stability is an important aspect of overall foot and leg health as it helps to reduce the risk of injuries, alleviate pain, and improve overall mobility and function. Here are some benefits of increased heel stability:

1. Reduced risk of injuries:

A stable heel can help to reduce the risk of injuries such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures. These conditions are often caused by overuse or abnormal foot mechanics, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the heel and foot. A stable heel can help to distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce the risk of these conditions.

2. Alleviation of pain:

Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a lack of heel stability. By providing increased stability to the heel, it can help to alleviate pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and stress fractures.

3. Improved mobility and function:

Heel stability is essential for normal gait, or the way we walk. A stable heel can help to improve overall alignment and mechanics of the foot and leg, which can lead to improved mobility and function. This can be especially beneficial for those who have difficulty walking or are recovering from an injury.

4. Enhanced athletic performance:

Heel stability is especially important for athletes, particularly runners and other high-impact sports athletes. A stable heel can help to improve overall foot and leg mechanics, which can lead to improved performance, reduced risk of injury and increased endurance.

5. Better balance:

The heel is an important part of the foot's foundation and it plays a key role in maintaining balance. A stable heel can help to improve balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and other accidents, especially in older adults or those with balance issues.

6. Reduced knee and back pain:

Heel stability is closely linked to overall alignment and mechanics of the foot and leg. A stable heel can help to improve alignment, which can reduce the risk of knee and back pain, as well as other conditions such as shin splints.

7. Increased confidence:

Heel stability can help to improve overall mobility and function, which can lead to increased confidence in performing daily activities such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.

How to increase heel stability?

There are several ways to increase heel stability, including:

Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles in the legs, hips, and core can help to improve heel stability. Exercises such as squats, lunges, and calf raises can help to strengthen the muscles in the legs, while exercises such as planks and bridges can help to strengthen the core.
Stretching exercises: Tight muscles can contribute to a lack of heel stability. Stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, which can help to improve heel stability. Stretches such as the hamstring stretch, calf stretch, and quad stretch can help to improve flexibility in the legs, while stretches such as the spinal twist and seated forward bend can help to improve flexibility in the back and hips.
Footwear: Wearing shoes that fit well and provide good support can help to improve heel stability. Shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support can help to distribute weight evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the heel. Consider using shoe inserts or orthotics to provide additional support.
Gait analysis: A gait analysis is a process of evaluating the way you walk. A physical therapist or other medical professional can use video or other technology to evaluate your gait and identify any abnormalities.
Insoles Enhancement: Most shoes will not have appropriate heel support. Some insoles will have enhanced features specifically in the heel area to provide additionally stability and comfort.

Consider SelectFlex Orthotics to Provide Additional Stability In The Heel As Well As Comfort

SelectFlex could be your solution for heel stability. The tear-drop shaped heel cup provides 50% increased ankle stability through better alignment. Additionally, the soft elastomer heel cup cushions and absorbs impacts better than most insoles which provides added comfort.

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Characteristics & Anatomy Of The Foot

The feet are the foundation of support for the pelvis, spine and lower body. They provide the necessary stability to perform daily activities. The foot and ankle form a complex system which consists of 28 bones, 33 joints, 112 ligaments, controlled by 13 extrinsic and 21 intrinsic muscles. The foot is subdivided into the rear-foot, mid-foot & fore-foot and central to the success of the pedal foundation is its “arched structure”. The Arched Structure is a complex of three bony arches: the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch and the anterior transverse (metatarsal) arch.(Physio-Pedia)

Arches of Foot

The 3 arches of the foot allow the foot to absorb downward forces and act as a rigid lever during gait propulsion:

Medial Longitudinal Arch: The most obvious arch is seen along the medial aspect of the foot. The navicular bone forms the "keystone" of this large and long arch, which is supported primarily by the plantar fascia and spring ligament. The muscles of the foot and lower leg do not provide support for the medial arch, except during toe-off when walking or while standing on tip-toe.
Lateral Longitudinal Arch (LLA): This arch is located along the outside of each foot and relies much less on connective tissues for its support. For this reason, proper function of the lateral arch is extremely dependent on the alignment of the cuboid bone, which is frequently found to be in need of adjustment. Proper support for this arch is at least as important as for the other two, but is surprisingly absent in many orthotics.
Transverse (Metatarsal) Arch: This arch extends from the metatarsal heads back to the tarsal bones, and runs from the medial to the lateral sides of the foot. At its most anterior portion, the metatarsal heads contact the ground. Poor function and loss of this arch will often result in a build-up of thick callus underneath the metatarsal heads. Recurrent "dropped" metatarsal heads and/or irritation of one of the interdigital nerves (a "Morton's neuroma") is also a good indications that this arch is not being supported properly by the plantar fascia. (Dynamic Chiropractic)

Static and Dynamic Support With Orthotics

The structural design of the three-arched plantar vault is very good at supporting weight and carrying heavy loads, while remaining flexible. During normal standing, the load of the body is balanced over the center of the foot, anterior to the ankle. This places the greatest amount of load at the apex of the three arches. This force is then distributed along the "buttresses" of the arches to the heel (which bears 50 percent to 60 percent of body weight) and the metatarsal heads (which bear 40 percent to 50 percent of body weight). Loss of this configuration will result in abnormal force concentrations, which will eventually cause degenerative and symptomatic clinical conditions. (Foot Education)

During gait, the foot undergoes substantial changes. The arches and connective tissues must sustain the stress of heel strike, then adapt to the ground during stance phase, and finally become a rigid lever to provide an efficient push-off. This must all occur in a coordinated manner, with no glitches or hang-ups. The foot must permit a smooth transfer of the body's center of mass over the leg to conserve energy and keep the work expenditure to a minimum. The heavier a patient is, the greater the stresses on the feet and ankles.

Collapse or dysfunction of any of the arches needs to be addressed with flexible yet stabilizing orthotics that will support the patient's foot both during standing (static support) and throughout the gait cycle (dynamic support), while controlling the impact forces. There is one actual insole that provides “Dynamic” support called SelectFlex which uses a patented arch lifting technology called the PowerLift Arch. The PowerLift Arch provides the wearer with 3 levels to support the arch with dynamic alignment with every step. This unique arch technology dynamically lifts your arch into a comforting sine wave motion that provides up to 89% more arch support with every step.