Are insoles and foot orthoses the same thing?
No. An insole is a prefabricated orthotic device manufactured by an external supplier according to standardized measurements. In some cases, a prefabricated insole can be modified to a certain extent. A foot orthosis, on the other hand, is a custom-made insole designed specifically for the individual user and intended for their exclusive use.
In orthotic and prosthetic practice, a custom-made insole is referred to as a foot orthosis. You may also encounter this term in communications with NAV, including applications and the assessment process (approval or rejection).
The purpose of a foot orthosis is to correct misalignments of the foot and ankle and/or redistribute pressure under the foot. For example, it can relieve painful areas or reduce pressure on areas that are at risk of developing sores or ulcers. Each foot orthosis is individually designed and manufactured according to the user's specific needs.
Because foot orthoses are custom-made, they often require more space inside the shoe and may not always fit comfortably in standard footwear. When purchasing shoes from a regular shoe store, we recommend trying them on with your orthosis and checking whether the original insole can be removed.
If you find it difficult to find suitable footwear for use with a foot orthosis and do not have approval from NAV for custom footwear, you are welcome to contact us to schedule a fitting appointment. Custom footwear is designed with additional space to accommodate foot orthoses and provide optimal comfort and function.
