BETHESDA, Md. - A poll conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) last year, found that 55% of Americans missed a day of work because of foot problems. Now, there's some promising news. According to a just released study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (November/December 2001), customized shoe insoles have a 68 percent success rate of relieving foot discomfort and keeping people from missing work.

In the study, one hundred and twenty-two police officers from the New York City Police Department, walking an average of 3 miles per day, wore customized shoe insoles for up to 5 weeks for an average of 7 hours per day. After 5 weeks, it was concluded that wearing shoe insoles significantly reduced the amount of tiredness in the feet at the end of the workday. In fact, 70 percent said they continue wearing the insoles after the study.

A shoe insole refers to the interior portion of a shoe that lies against the SOLE of the foot. While shoes are meant to support and cushion the foot, insoles can also function as a shoe insert. Inserts, or padding that lines the bottom portion of the shoe, are designed to provide extra cushioning to help absorb shock, reduce friction and improve overall comfort.

Shoe insoles bought at the drug store can offer some relief from various foot disorders, however, the best insoles are custom-tailored by a podiatrist to suit the specific needs of an individual. "Over-the-counter insoles are a cost effective way to relieve foot pain and make shoes more comfortable," said the study's primary authors, Ellen Sobel, DPM, PhD and Steven Levitz, DPM of New York "but if foot pain persists, customized insoles should be considered. These insoles use a more effective shock absorbing material that will reduce the impact of the heel striking the ground more effectively."

Founded in 1912, the APMA is the nation's leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists. The association has component societies in 53 locations in the U.S. and its Territories and a membership of more than 10,000 doctors of podiatric medicine.