One simple fact of life is that as you get older, your feet are likely to start to feel sore and worn out. Wearing proper shoes, being cautious with exercise, and maintaining good foot care are all important ways to maintain foot comfort for longer. Another excellent approach can be purchasing custom orthotics, or insoles, so that you enjoy improved comfort when walking and minimize your risk of developing more debilitating foot problems.
At Shady Grove Podiatry, we’ve seen an uptick in people considering podiatry insoles. And in fact, on a national level, the insole market is expected to grow annually by 6.2% from now until 2030. What’s behind the growth in this market? Let’s take a closer look.
A Worldwide Trend
Populations are aging around the globe. And unsurprisingly, the podiatry insole market has witnessed substantial growth in a range of regions, including North America, Asia, and Europe. People with aging feet need to do more to take care of their feet and maintain foot comfort.
In the U.S., the market for custom orthotics has grown in part because of the increasing prevalence of chronic foot disorders like plantar fasciitis. Right here in Maryland, we see more older patients who can benefit from custom insoles, and we continue to serve a population of people young and old alike who need accommodative orthoses to correct foot problems.
In the next 10 years, the United States and China are expected to have the most new patients needing custom insoles, primarily due to aging populations. While some people can get relief by using insoles available at drug stores or specialty stores, many others will see better results by having an orthotic tailor-made to address their concern.
The Benefits of Custom Insoles
Feet with structural abnormalities like plantar fasciitis and flat feet typically do better with a functional orthotic, which is harder and provides a more stable foundation. Feet with issues like calluses and mild heel pain do better with the softer supportive cushioning of accommodative orthotics. Our skilled team of podiatrists can evaluate your foot anatomy and recommend the right orthotics depending on your feet and ankle issues.
For more information about how custom insoles can help you, call our Gaithersburg office at 301-948-2995 or get in touch online.
