Most insoles attempt to correct foot movement by using rigid materials that force the foot into a “normal” position. This can restrict natural foot movement and may not be conducive to long term foot health.
Cluffy insoles use unique patented technology to correct the problem of ball of foot pain at their source. They also provide arch support that is unlike anything else on the market.
The Cluffy Wedge
The Cluffy Wedge is a unique patented feature of our everyday insoles. It was designed by a podiatrist who noticed that most people coming in with heel pain, ball of foot pain, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and leg, hip, and back problems had stuck big-toe-joints (functional hallux limitus). The Cluffy wedge solves this problem by allowing the big toe to move normally, and it helps correct alignment of the foot. This allows the foot to function better, and it improves balance in all directions.
The insole also has a gel heel pad to help cushion the heel and absorb shock forces. The arch support is soft but supportive and forms naturally as you walk, eliminating the need for different arch heights. Finally, the energizing foam is durable and keeps your feet cool, dry and comfortable, even after an intense workout or game.
Many people choose to use the Cluffy Wedge in combination with one of the Lynco Orthotic insoles for additional stability, alignment, and comfort.
Ball of Foot Pain
Pain in the ball of your foot is called metatarsalgia and is very common. Symptoms include aching, shooting pain, numbness and/or tingling. Inflammation may also be present. Symptoms of this condition are worse with high-impact activities and can often be relieved by proper footwear, rest, ice and proper foot care.
The ball of the foot is made up of 5 bones called metatarsals. The fat pad at the base of these bones is composed of a honeycombed structure with fibro-elastic chambers filled with fat globules that help spread pressure evenly across the balls of feet during walking, running and jumping. Over time the fat pads can become thinner due to repetitive micro-trauma. The thinning of these pads can reduce shock absorption and leave the feet vulnerable to increased stress, which then causes inflammation, bruising, swelling and pain.
Metatarsalgia should be evaluated and treated promptly by a medical professional, especially if it is untreated or ignored for a long period of time. If left untreated the condition will usually get worse and can lead to a variety of complications. For example, the pain from the metatarsal area can begin to affect other areas of the body like the hip and lower back. In severe cases surgical correction of hammertoes or pinched nerves may be required to eliminate the symptoms and prevent further complications.
Hammertoes
Hammer toes are changes in the joints of your lesser toes that make them look like they’re permanently bent. The condition occurs when tendons and muscles that straighten and bend your toes become over-extended for a long time. Your foot’s natural structure and your footwear can also contribute to the development of hammertoes.
Symptoms include visible deformity, which resembles a claw-like appearance of the middle joint of your toe; pain or discomfort; and corns or calluses (hard areas of thickened skin that develop on the top of a toe or between two toes). Left untreated, the condition can worsen, resulting in open sores that may lead to infection.
There are several ways to treat hammertoes, and conservative treatment is often the most effective option. Your podiatrist may recommend padding, taping, and splinting to help you manage the problem. These measures are designed to protect the hammertoe, reduce friction between your toe and shoe, and relieve pressure over painful joints.
Improper shoes that are too tight or have a small toe box can cause your toes to crowd and force them into unnatural positions. If this pressure lasts for a long time, the toes can adapt to their cramped position by stiffening the muscles and tendons. Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can weaken your toes and increase your risk for developing hammertoes.
Shoes
The foot is a complex structure that provides stability for the entire body. In order to work properly, it must both pronate (flatten) upon contact with the ground to absorb impact and supinate (arch) as it propels itself forward during movement. The patented Cluffy insoles are designed to cradle the arch on both sides of the foot, improving stability and helping your foot work the way it is supposed to.
Many types of shoes are available to protect the feet and make a fashion statement. However, not all shoes provide the best foot health and support. Incorrectly constructed shoes can contribute to many common foot problems, such as hammertoes, neuromas, and flat feet. The cluffy insoles, when combined with a shoe that allows the foot to move in a natural manner, can help prevent these injuries.
A shoe can have one or more heel wedges to raise the height of the heel, alleviating pain and stress on the Achilles tendon and allowing the foot to flex naturally during walking and running. Heel wedges can also be used in shoes worn by people with leg length discrepancy to help the shorter leg align and function properly. The heel wedge is also used in shoes for individuals with plantar fasciitis to relieve pain and speed up the healing process.