Watersoles - Medical Insoles from Medicovi

Further information about heel spur and heel pain

A Heel Spur is a bone spur that builds up where the ligament(s) attach to the bone. It can be very painful. Using a Watersole Daily can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by this ailment.

What is heel spur?

A so-called heel spur (spina calcanei) is the bony outgrowth (hook-shaped calcification) protruding on the underside of the heel bone near the point where the plantar fascia is attached to the heel bone. Thorough investigations show that approximately 75% of the adult population are probably suffering from such a bony outgrowth – which need not necessarily cause pain. Acute, persistent pain on the underside of the heel is frequently referred to as 'heel spur'. Better understood is the systematic name: ‘Plantar fasciitis’. The accompanying pain is due to a non-bacterial inflammation of the plantar fascia, frequently caused by excessive wear. Diffuse, acute pain on the underside of the heel is a characteristic symptom associated with heel spur.

Is there any remedy for heel spur?

Rest is a good remedy, however this is often impracticable in daily life. A variety of adaptations (often costly) are commercially available; unfortunately, the desired results are rarely, if ever, achieved. Significant improvements, on the other hand, are experienced while wearing MEDICOVI® ‘Twin-Heels’ sensoric water-filled massage soles.

The crucial factor of the MEDICOVI® water-filled massage soles is the high velocity of the water in the sole. Even the most minute change in the position of the foot or the posture immediately sets the water in motion, causing a varying surface load on the foot. This comfortable sensation which is consciously experienced activates the surface of the foot and improves the posture.

This significant improvement is based on two major factors:
• The continually changing pressure on the underside of the feet
• Constant stimulation of the muscle activity

Owing to the continually changing pressure on the underside of the feet, the location of the pain is immediately protected and the strong, comfortable stimulation of the muscle activity in the foot improves the blood circulation by up to 50 %. Tested in collaboration with LEA Medizintechnik GmbH at the Center for sensory motoric interaction at Aalborg University (DK).

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Finally the answer to heel spur!

The MEDICOVI® ‘Twin-Heels’ water-filled massage soles feature the unique shock-absorbing raised heel which provides optimum support, avoiding additional stress around the painful area. Such additional stress is often observed in adaptations equipped with a recess to protect the painful area of the foot. Besides, this raised heel reduces the stress on the plantar fascia because it reduces the tension of the ligaments. Owing to their patented construction, the MEDICOVI® ‘Twin-Heels’ water-filled massage soles offer immediate, continuous and noticeable heel pain relief. The foot usually heals within a minimum of time due to the significant pressure relief.

The importance of wearing good shoes cannot be overemphasized. Sturdy walking shoes are to be preferred over soft, floppy shoes that hardly support the foot; shoes with high heels are to be avoided.

Cross-section of a MEDICOVI® sensoric water-filled massage sole

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Brief overview of the special characteristics of MEDICOVI® water-filled massage soles

Good shock absorption and pressure distribution
Favorable effect on the heels, the knees, the hips, and the back
Eliminates pain on the underside of the foot
Good ventilation; feet always dry
Anti-sweat netting
Comfortable to wear
Washable at 40 °C
Less callous skin
Seven sizes: 34 – 47
Can be cut to size if necessary
Half-year warranty for material defects and construction errors
For sale at various centres in Ireland
For your convenience: can also be ordered from our webshop

Sizes

MEDICOVI® massage soles are available in seven different sizes, starting with size 34-35 to 46-47, and they come in two-size increments. If necessary, the shoe soles may be cut down one size. There is no water in the section underneath the toes. The shoe soles are purchased a size smaller than the respective shoe size; i.e., shoe size 38: shoe soles 36-37. Shoe size 39: shoe soles 38-39, etc.

Lifespan

The shoe soles have a service life of approximately 6-10 months, depending on their use. Extensive wear, however, may reduce their durability. Abnormal wear and tear gives rise to small holes through which the water can evaporate, thus affecting the functionality of the sole. The shoe soles should preferably also be used during physical exercise – the possibility of reducing their lifespan in this manner does not measure up against the advantage of quick symptom relief.

Besides, it is also important to wear good-quality shoes with a sturdy sole. Check your (sports) shoes to see whether your foot has left an imprint inside – in which case you should discontinue these shoes and not use the MEDICOVI® massage soles inside such products. Avoid wearing sports shoes any longer than strictly necessary.

Bare feet

Wearing the shoe soles with bare feet is a really nice feeling, due to the netting construction on top of the MEDICOVI® massage soles. Since these soles are made of breathable materials, they should never be‘glued’ into the shoe.

Cleaning

MEDICOVI® massage soles can be washed at 40 ºC. The best option is to use a bucket or a waste paper bin and a soft detergent. They may also be washed in the washing machine, but in this case make sure to use a laundry bag!

Make sure to wear the shoe soles as frequently as possible! Transfer the shoe soles to any new shoes ‘you happen to buy’. Make sure that the right side is facing up; i.e., the white side (anti-slip) underneath and the brown side (the moisture-absorbing one) on top. The sole should lie flat inside the shoe. If the sole seems somewhat on the large side, you may cut off a small section in front.
The beneficial effect of the shoe soles will make itself felt within several days. It manifests itself, for instance, by slight muscle pain and / or a new feeling in the knee and hip joints. This is due to the correcting function of the massage soles. If you continue wearing the shoe soles, you will stop feeling the effects after several days and enjoy the comfort offered by the MEDICOVI® massage soles even more.

Prevention

The MEDICOVI® ‘TWIN-HEELS’ massage soles were developed in order to alleviate heel spur symptoms. They do not, however, eliminate the cause. This is why we consider it advisable to use the MEDICOVI® ‘FRONT’ massage soles after the symptoms have abated. Apart from the variety of benefits offered by these shoe soles, they also considerably reduce the recurrance of symptoms.

Warranty

The MEDICOVI® massage soles come with a 6-month warranty from the date of purchase, under the condition of normal use and a normal walking pattern.
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Stretching exercises to alleviate heel spur

The following exercises have a beneficial effect on heel spur problems and are easily performed in between daily chores. Do not force things, however - never push yourself any further than you feel comfortable with. Our advice is to perform these exercises several times a day.

Stretching exercise 1:

Lean against a wall, keeping one knee straight and bending the other one.
Place the foot with the painful heel away from the wall. Alternate this position if both heels are painful.
The rear leg is the leg that is being exercised.
Stretch your leg while keeping your foot on the ground as much as possible. Keep this up for approximately 10 seconds. Then stand up, relaxed and straight, for a brief period. Repeat this exercise 15 times. If you have two painful heels, alternate repeatedly.
Repeat several times a day.

Stretching exercise 2:

Lean against a table or a chair while bending both knees. Squat with your feet flat on the ground and lean forward slowly until your heels are no longer on the ground. Keep this up for approximately 10 seconds. Then stand up again. Repeat this exercise 15 times.
Repeat several times a day.