Heel Lifts for Achilles Tendon Problems

Heel lifts or raises are small heel shaped inserts or pads placed inside shoes to elevate the heel and reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. They’re commonly used to treat various Achilles tendon problems by modifying the biomechanics of walking and reducing tension on the tendon.

Heel lifts decrease the angle at which your foot flexes upward (dorsiflexion), which reduces the stretch and stress placed on the Achilles tendon during walking, running, or standing. This can help alleviate pain and allow healing in cases of tendinitis, tendinosis, or partial tears.

It is important to consider:

1. The heel lift has to be firm or hard. If it is soft, it will just compress and not reduce the strain in the Achilles tendon. There are plenty of reasons to have soft heel raises for cushioning or shock absorption reasons, but they need to be firm and not compress for Achilles tendon disorders.
2. There has to be room or depth in the shoe for the heel raise. If there is not, then the foot will just slip out of the heel of the shoe when walking.

Our heel lifts are firm and hard so do not compress. They come in 6mm thickness (if there is not much room in the shoe) or 12mm thickness if there is more room in the shoe).

While heel lifts can provide significant relief, they should ideally be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and gradual weaning off the lifts to prevent dependency on it.