Insoles for back pain: part 2

So do insoles help people with back pain?

Well, there have been a few scientific studies that have looked at people who used insoles and walked everyday. Some studies were designed to determine if insoles prevented back pain and others looked to see if insoles relieved back pain. The studies looked at healthy young males who are most prone to back injury. The study included assessment of pain, intensity, duration of pain, absenteeism and functional status. All data were analyzed independently.

So what about the results?

Insoles did absolutely squat in term of preventing back pain. BIG ZERO- diddlysquat. The type of insole, color, size or even the cost did not make any difference. People still developed back pain and no matter what type of insole was used, pain still occurred.

So what happens now?

Well, for one thing- insoles do have a role for treating certain foot disorders but they are useless for back pain. Please consumers do not be so trusting of health pros- medicine is a business and a very profitable one. So read about your condition, ask questions, get referrals and do not fall for such gimmicks.

For those who have bought many pairs of insoles for back pain, you can now use them on your chair to cushion your buttocks.

http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab005275.html

Insoles for Back pain: Real or BS?

Back pain is a major health problem in our society. There is no real answer how to best treat it. Millions of people are disabled from back pain and cost to the health care system is in billions of dollars each year. Everyday, a new theory comes up and along with it- a new treatment. There is a strong belief among certain people in the health profession that back pain may be related to posture and anatomy of feet. Podiatrists, physical therapist, orthopedists, and a whole bunch of other health professionals have now gotten into the business of feet, shoes, and insoles.

These health pros first started to correct feet to cure back pain and the result was an abysmal failure. This was followed by custom designed shoes- most custom designed shoes cost as much as a month’s rent and the public realized that perhaps this was a scam and so now these pros have started to sell insoles.

There are insoles of every type, color style, designs, and shape. Some are standard and others are custom designed. One would think that a piece of plastic or rubber that fits into a shoe would costs a few bucks- Wrong; podiatrists and all their colleagues have now learnt the art of ripping people off. Insoles can cost as much as a month’s grocery- Shocking but true. Millions of insoles are sold each year. Most people have an insole for every pair of shoe. There appears to be insole mania in society.

What is so great about insoles you ask? Well these health pros claim that insoles can align the foot, ease pressure on the back, and absorb shock when feet strike the ground- sure sounds great so far.