Although it’s estimated that more than 50% of people have some degree of difference in their leg lengths, many are still unaware of this condition—or that simple remedies like the original Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift can help alleviate the discomfort of having one leg shorter than the other.

As a follow-up to our recent blog post Understanding Leg Length Differences and Heel Lifts: A Simple Q & A Guide, we’ve put together common questions we hear about our newest product, the Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock to help you understand the benefits, how to use it, and what makes it unique. If you don’t see a question answered here, please contact us.

What Exactly is the Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock and How Does it Work?

Simply put, it is a sock that holds a heel lift in place, so you don’t need to wear shoes to benefit from the lift of a shoe insert. It features a unique pocket inside that securely holds our Adjust-A-Lift® heel insert. This design allows you to use a heel lift when barefoot or with open footwear like flip-flops and sandals. It’s a practical solution for people who need heel height adjustments but prefer more freedom than traditional footwear allows.

We’ve also heard from customers who experienced a leg length discrepancy while recovering from hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery. They wore the ankle sock while sleeping, so getting up and around was easier in the middle of the night and in the morning.

Why Should I Consider Using this Heel Lift Sock? What Are the Benefits?

Since it’s designed for use with a heel lift shoe insert, the main benefit is it adds a new level of versatility since you can wear an orthotic heel lift device without having to wear shoes. Additionally, the design provides:

• Discretion: The heel lift sits concealed within the sock, offering a subtle solution to your needs.
• Stability: The therapy pocket ensures that the heel lift does not move around, providing consistent support and comfort.
• Ease of use: This product is straightforward to use, making it accessible for individuals who might struggle with more complex supportive devices.

What is the Material and Color of the Heel Lift Sock?

A blend of polyester and spandex provides both comfort and stretch. It’s available in both black and tan. We suggest machine or hand washing in cold water and laying flat to dry to ensure the integrity of the spandex. It’s important to remove the lift from the sock before washing.

How Do I Know What Size to Order?

Size selection is critical due to the manufacturer’s note on sizing; the socks are available in sizes that range according to the circumference just above the ankle bone. Since the sizing tends to run large, ordering a size smaller than usual is recommended.

How Can I Purchase the Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock?

Since heel lifts are typically intended for use with just one foot, the sock is sold individually; if you need a pair, remember to adjust the quantity in your order.

The product can be ordered online for customers residing in the U.S.; however, if you are an international customer, you must place your order by calling the provided customer service number. This ensures that your order is processed correctly and that you can receive assistance with shipping and handling for locations outside the U.S.

We hope this Q&A has provided valuable insights into the Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock.

Whether you’ve been using a heel lift for a leg length discrepancy, or you’ve just recently discovered this simple solution, we think you’ll find adding a sock to hold a heel lift securely will provide a new level of comfort and freedom.

 

 

 

 

If you’re struggling with the discomfort and instability caused by overpronation or underpronation of one foot—or both feet—you may have heard that a heel lift might help. However, it’s important to understand that not all heel shoe lifts are designed for the same purpose.

There are many heel lifts on the market, with most designed for those with a leg-length discrepancy—like our Adjust a Lift Heel Lift. This requires placing a heel lift in only one shoe to essentially balance out the length of the legs.

However, for a shoe insert to correct the rolling of a foot which is what happens with the pronation of the foot, it must be shaped in a wedge to add lift only to the side of the foot that needs it, such as the Warwick Wedge.

Understanding Overpronation and Underpronation

Before outlining the benefits of the Warwick Wedge, let’s first understand what overpronation and underpronation entail.

Overpronation: This occurs when the foot rolls inward excessively during the gait cycle, leading to imbalanced weight distribution and increased stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. People with low arches, flat feet, or highly flexible feet often suffer from this condition. The strain on the surrounding muscles and joints from this motion can lead to fatigue, plantar fasciitis, or arch collapse.

Underpronation: Also called “supination,” it occurs when the foot rolls too far outward. This motion disrupts the shock absorption of a properly pronated gait, putting unnecessary pressure on the ankle, toes, and outside edge of the foot. People with high arches, tight Achilles tendons, or those who wear unsupportive shoes are at risk of underpronation. The condition can cause IT band syndrome, heel spurs, and Achilles tendinitis.

Why The Warwick Wedge?

In addition to its unique 4-degree angle that immediately corrects the over-rolling or under-rolling motion, the Warwick Wedge™ heel insert is lightweight and reversible—simply flip it to fit in either shoe and for either condition.

It’s also available in three sizes to ensure a comfortable fit. Backed by positive reviews and testimonials, our wedge heel insert has helped countless individuals find relief from overpronation and underpronation, enabling them to lead more active and comfortable lifestyles.

Take the First Step Towards Comfort and Stability

Don’t let overpronation or underpronation hinder your daily activities and quality of life. If you’re still wondering if the Warwick Wedge™ will work for you, ask your healthcare provider about your treatment options and whether a heel wedge shoe insert can help.

A leg length difference is a common but often overlooked orthopedic problem that affects a significant portion of the population. Despite its prevalence, many individuals are unaware of it and its potential impact on musculoskeletal health.

In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll explore what causes a leg length difference, how it’s diagnosed, and most importantly, how a heel lift like the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift in one shoe can help relieve discomfort and improve daily activities for those with the issue.

What Are Leg Length Differences?

Simply put, a leg length difference (also known as limb length inequality or a leg length discrepancy) occurs when one leg is shorter than the other. This difference can be minor or more noticeable, causing various discomforts and problems. While many individuals have some degree of differences in the lengths of their legs, not everyone needs treatment.

What Causes a Difference in Leg Lengths?

The discrepancy in leg lengths can be due to two main reasons: structural or functional conditions. A structural condition happens when there’s an actual difference in the length of the bones. A functional condition occurs due to muscle, tendon, or ligament imbalances. Injuries, surgeries like hip replacement surgery or knee replacement surgery, or congenital conditions can contribute to both types of leg length inequalities.

How is a Leg Length Discrepancy Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a difference in leg lengths typically involves a thorough examination by a healthcare provider. They’ll review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to assess bone length accurately.

What are the Symptoms of Having One Leg Shorter Than the Other?

Symptoms of a leg length difference can vary, but the most common issues are back pain, hip discomfort, or muscle weakness or tightness on one side. More significant leg length discrepancies can result in a change in how a person walks, alignment issues in the spine, or strained hip joints due to the body attempting to compensate for the unequal balance of weight.

Treating a Leg Length Difference with a Heel Lift

A heel lift like the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift is a simple yet effective solution for managing the pain caused by a leg length discrepancy. By inserting a heel lift into the shoe of the shorter leg, it adds length to the shorter leg, balancing weight distribution which in turn reduces the discomfort placed on the affected joint and muscles.

The unique benefit of the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift is that it can be adjusted by peeling off layers as needed to find the right height. This design is also ideal for someone who wants to gradually increase the height of their lift to make the adjustment gentler on the body. Simply peel off two of the three layers to begin, then add them back in over time. Consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance.

Understanding leg length differences is essential for managing discomfort and improving daily life. By recognizing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options like heel lifts, individuals with LLDs can take steps towards relief and better mobility.

 

Did you know that having legs of slightly different lengths is more common than you might think? Studies estimate that between 40-70% of people have a leg length discrepancy.

Surprisingly, many don’t even realize it, as the difference can be subtle and not easily noticed. It’s only when the difference goes beyond 1/8 inch that you might start feeling discomfort or other symptoms due to the inequality.

Whether you were born with uneven leg lengths or acquired the difference later in life due to factors like a fracture, surgery, or tumor, it’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms associated with this issue.

Impact on Posture

When one leg is a bit longer than the other, it sets off a chain reaction in your body. This can affect the position of your lower limb joints, pelvis, and spine, creating a disturbance in your posture control. The result? Issues with balance and walking, also known as gait.

Walking Issues in Leg Length Differences

Having two different leg lengths can throw off your body’s balance, leading to noticeable problems with how you walk. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, there might be an issue with your gait:

• • Walking with your head or neck tilted to one side
  • Dragging or shuffling your feet
  • Irregular, jerky movements while walking
  • Taking shorter steps
  • Waddling
  • Walking slowly or stiffly
  • Noticing your rib cage or hips are more forward on one side

Sneaky Signs in Sleep

Even lying down can reveal signs of a leg length difference. If you lie on your back and notice that one rib sticks out more than the other, it might indicate a pelvic tilt connected to leg length inequality. It might not always hurt, but it can be uncomfortable and lead to pain if left uncorrected.

Body’s Compensation Game

If one leg is longer than the other, your body tends to compensate by making one side work harder than the other. This overcompensation can result in more muscle tone in one leg.

Recognizing Pain

Pain in the lower back, hip, ankle, or knee can be classic symptoms of having one leg longer than the other. It happens when your body works extra hard to make up for the length difference.

Help for a Leg Length Difference

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact a chiropractor, physical therapist, or physician for advice. If they determine you have a leg length deficiency, they will likely recommend a heel lift like our Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift. These specially designed heel lifts can help relieve discomfort caused by uneven leg lengths, providing a practical solution for a more balanced you.

Don’t dismiss aches and pains as just signs of aging or a bad sleeping position. Take the proactive step of understanding and addressing leg length discrepancies for improved posture, reduced pain, and enhanced overall well-being. If you suspect a leg length issue, seeking professional advice and exploring solutions can bring balance back to your body.

With every step we take, our musculoskeletal system adapts to accommodate the movements. It’s not until there’s something askew that we notice the pattern becomes disturbed.

Whether it’s a bone, muscle, tendon, or ligament issue, when the foot is unnaturally hitting the ground, it can alter the mechanics further up into the ankle, lower leg, knee, and even the hip. It may be immediate or over years, but pain often follows. 

But what if one simple heel wedge insert could alter the position of the foot and relieve the pain? The Warwick Wedge™does just that. These over-the-counter orthotic heel wedges are designed with a 4-degree angle to correct misalignment of the foot when it hits the ground. By correcting the placement of the foot, it can help with four types of issues: 

Ankle Overpronation

This occurs when the ankle rolls too far inward with each step. People with low arches, flat feet, or highly flexible feet often suffer from this condition. While the foot naturally rolls inward while walking, when it rolls more than 15% from a relaxed position, the strain on the surrounding muscles and joints can lead to fatigue, plantar fasciitis, or arch collapse. 

Ankle Underpronation

Also called “oversupination,” this is when the foot rolls too far outward when coming down to flat surface. The ankle, knee, and hip follow the inward roll of the foot causing pain and issues from the heel (heel spurs), foot (Achilles tendinitis), and up into the knee and hip ( IT Band syndrome) areas. Those who have high arches, tight Achilles tendons, or wear unsupportive shoes risk underpronation. People who underpronate often experience an increase in sprains and progressive weakening of the ligaments. 

Varus Knee

A Varus deformity is essentially an inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or a joint. Varus knee is a condition that’s commonly referred to as Genu Verum. Over time, untreated Varus knee can cause joint pain, especially when walking. It also causes unusual wear and tear on the cartilage in your knee, which can lead to osteoarthritis.  If left untreated, ankle varus can lead to chronic ankle instability and can cause some people to be bowlegged. 

Valgus Knee

A Valgus deformity is a condition in which the bone segment distal to a joint is angled outward. Valgus knee, commonly referred to as Genu Valgus, makes some people knock-kneed. Valgus is a misalignment turning your knees inward. It happens when your tibia turns outward in relation to your femur. If left untreated, Valgus knees can cause pain and problems in functioning. One study even found that adults with Valgus knees are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis.

How can the Warwick Wedge™ help?

The Warwick Wedge™ is placed in the shoe to help angle your heel in the right direction to correct your Varus, Valgus, or pronation, essentially “leveling” your foot when it hits the ground. Its reversible design allows it to fit in either shoe. That means there’s no need for a specific medial heel insert or lateral heel insert. Simply flip the insert so the higher edge is placed under the area of the foot that is rolling in or out. It also comes in three sizes so every patient can find the perfect fit. The firm yet lightweight foam is hypoallergenic and latex-free.

 

Learn more about the Warwick Wedge™

If you’re still questioning whether or not the Warwick Wedge™ will work for you, ask your healthcare provider about your treatment options and whether a heel wedge shoe insert like the Warwick Wedge™

 

Are you considering or have recently undergone total knee replacement surgery? If so, it’s important to be aware of the possibility of experiencing a leg length deficiency following the procedure.

Total knee replacement surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to resurface worn bone and cartilage and replace all three areas of the knee joint: the outside (lateral), inside (medial), and under the kneecap (patellofemoral) with metal or plastic.

 

According to the American College of Rheumatology, this procedure is performed approximately 790,000 times annually in the United States, and this number continues to rise every year. While relatively uncommon, knee replacement procedures can sometimes lead to leg length disparities, causing one leg to become slightly longer than the other.

What is a Leg Length Deficiency?

A leg length deficiency, also sometimes called a leg length discrepancy, simply refers to a difference in the lengths of a person’s legs. Although it may not be visibly apparent, healthcare professionals and physical therapists can assess limb lengths through measurements, gait analysis, or medical imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans if they suspect a deficiency. Even a small difference in the length of the legs can cause a noticeable effect.

Recognizing Signs of Leg Length Deficiency After Knee Replacement

The manifestations of a leg length deficiency can vary from person to person. If you’ve undergone a total knee replacement and experience any of the following symptoms once you’ve healed, you may be dealing with uneven leg lengths:

• Difficulty walking or running
• Pain in the lower back
• Becoming fatigued from walking
• Walking with a limp
• Becoming fatigued and/or sore on one side while standing or walking
• Loss of muscle strength, resulting in a leg-swing walk instead of lifting the leg
• A feeling that your ribs, pelvis, or hips are not aligned
• Observable misalignment of your belt line or shoulders when viewed from behind
• More severe pain on one side

Treatment Options for a Difference in Leg Lengths

If you suspect a leg length deficiency following knee replacement surgery, one of the least invasive ways to address it is by using a heel lift. This simply means placing a heel pad-type insert in the shoe of your shorter leg. It works by raising the shorter leg to be even with the longer leg, resulting in a more even pelvis and hip, and reducing strain on the shorter leg and hip.  This treatment can be combined with physical therapy to help address discomfort, increase mobility, and strengthen affected muscles. There are also exercises you can do at home to encourage flexibility and strength.

Our Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift is a high-quality, versatile product designed to alleviate various symptoms associated with leg length inequalities. Available in three sizes to ensure a snug fit in the shoe, it’s constructed with three layers of extra firm, open-cell foam rubber secured with double-sided adhesive. That allows you to remove layers to achieve the desired height and balance leg lengths effectively.

Best of all, you can rest assured all Warwick Enterprise products are made of the highest quality materials to ensure long-lasting durability and comfort. If you have any questions before purchasing, contact us via phone, email, or form using our Contact Us page.

With a wide range of shoe inserts on the market, it can be difficult to determine which style is will be most helpful for your condition.

While our Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift and our Full Sole Insert are very similar, there are specific conditions where one product will perform better than the other.

Both products are constructed of extra firm, open cell foam rubber and covered with a suede leather top for durability. Both products are also available in a range of sizes for a secure fit in the shoe. The design—full length insole vs. adjustable heel lift insert—is where the similarities end.

 

The Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift is made with three separate layers, each 1/8 inch thick, held together with double-sided adhesive. The full 1/2 inch thickness can be adjusted by peeling away one or more of the layers to the desired height.

The Full Sole Insert has a total thickness of  3/16 inch. This is one single layer of rubber 1/8 inch thick and one layer of suede leather 1/16 inch thick. The shoe insert is cut in the dimensions to fit the full sole and can also be trimmed if necessary.

Here, we’ve highlighted common conditions that may benefit from one type of design over the other. Keep in mind, our recommendations are generalized and meant to aid in individual research. Consult your doctor, podiatrist, orthopedist, or physical therapist about specific medical questions.

Problem: Achilles Tendinitis

Solution: Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift

Achilles tendinitis is a painful condition caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Achilles tendonitis typically develops from an excessive load on the tendon. Decreasing the load on the tendon can be achieved with a heel lift. By slightly lifting the back of the foot—which shortens the tendon and the muscle—you can reduce the range of motion needed to walk.

 

Problem: Leg Length Inequality

Solution: Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift or Full Sole Insert

A leg length inequality occurs when one leg is shorter than the other. The difference in length can be so slight it’s not noticeable, but those with a more dramatic discrepancy can experience a range of aches and pains. For differences that are 1/8-inch or greater, your provider may suggest using an over-the-counter orthotic. The Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift will raise just your heel and the Full Sole Insert will raise your whole foot. Experiment with both determine which solution is more comfortable for you.

 

Problem: Plantar Fasciitis

Solution: Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed. An over-the-counter heel lift can help redistribute your weight to provide relief to your plantar fascia, allowing the inflammation to decrease.

 

Problem: Uncomfortable Shoes

Solution: Full Sole Insert

When you love a pair of shoes but need a bit more cushion while walking, grab our Full Sole Insert. The insert is constructed with a single layer of extra firm, open cell foam rubber and a top layer in an attractive, high quality suede leather that maximizes comfort under foot. The full sole insert is sold individually, so be sure to order two.

Whichever shoe insert you choose, rest assured all Warwick Enterprise products are made of the highest quality materials. If you have any questions before purchasing, contact us via phone, email or form using our Contact Us page.

 

No one wears shoes every minute of the day. But socks? Sure!

The Heel Lift Ankle Sock extends the treatment time and symptom relief provided by the in-shoe heel lift. The ankle sock features a therapy pocket designed to hold the heel lift in place below your heel while barefoot or wearing backless shoes.

What kind of people would find the ankle sock helpful in their daily routines? Let’s find out.

The Yogi

The Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift quickly relieves pain for those who wear shoes during their workouts, like running and weightlifting. But what about the barefoot athletes practicing yoga, Pilates or barre? They can experience the relief provided by a heel lift by inserting it into the ankle sock to wear while exercising in bare feet.

The Achilles Tendinitis Patient

The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. When this muscle becomes inflamed from Achilles tendinitis there are simple at-home treatment methods to relieve pain. Wear a Heel Lift Ankle Sock on the impacted foot, apply ice on and off for 20 minutes and elevate the leg.

The Beach Bum

There’s nothing like going for a walk with the sand in your toes, but the uneven ground can wreak havoc on existing lower back, knee, or ankle conditions. But pop the Heel Lift Ankle Sock on under your sandals and you can hit the beach without a worry.

 

The Young Athlete

Sever’s disease is an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. It is one of the most common causes of foot pain in active children and adolescents. It flares during growth spurts when there is repetitive stress to the heel during physical activity.

Consider using the Adjust-A-Lift Heel lift in your child’s shoes while they’re at practice and the Heel Lift Ankle Sock while barefoot at home.

The Person with One Leg Longer Than the Other

A leg length discrepancy is the medical term used to describe a patient with two different leg lengths. This difference, even when slight, can result in pain throughout the lower body. The Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift is made with three layers of extra firm, open cell foam rubber, each 1/8 inch thick, held together with double-sided adhesive. Adjust the lift to the height needed to even your leg lengths for use in your shoe when out and about and in your ankle sock while at home.

 

The Plantar Fasciitis Sufferer

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, arch, or both. The ankle sock can even be worn overnight to help reduce the pain in those first morning steps, a symptom commonly associated with plantar fasciitis.

The Heel Lift Ankle Sock is made from spandex and polyester and is available in black and tan. The socks are sold individually in six different sizes – XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL.

Check our product page for more information on sizing and to order your Heel Lift Ankle Sock today.

 

 

 

 

The human body is a complex instrument. It requires a variety of systems working in concert to achieve even the most basic movements.

Take walking for example. With each step, the outside of the heel strikes the ground. That absorbed force is then redistributed to the center of the heel, forward along the outside of the foot, and across the ball of the foot toward the big toe.

The ankle, knee, and hip follow the inward roll of the foot to provide the most efficient, balanced, and shock-absorbing stride possible. If this pattern is disrupted in any way, it can lead to chronic pain for the individual.

Today, we’ll discuss the gait disruptions known as overpronation and underpronation along with a simple tool to get your gait back on track.

What is overpronation?

The more common of the two pronation problems we’ll discuss today, overpronation occurs when one’s ankle rolls too far inward with each step. People with low arches, flat feet, or highly flexible feet often suffer from this condition.

The foot naturally rolls inward while walking. However, when it rolls inward more than 15% from a relaxed position, the strain on the surrounding muscles and joints can lead to fatigue, plantar fasciitis, or arch collapse.

What is underpronation (or oversupination)?

The scientific term for a joint rolling inward is pronation while the term for a joint rolling outward in supination. As inverse terms, the words “underpronation” and “oversupination” are interchangeable. For the purposes of this article, we will use the more common term “underpronation.”

Underpronation occurs when the foot rolls too far outward. This motion disrupts the shock absorption of a properly pronated gait, putting unnecessary pressure on the ankle and toes. People with high arches, tight Achilles tendons, or those who wear unsupportive shoes are at risk of underpronation. The condition can cause IT band syndrome, heel spurs, and Achilles tendinitis.

Am I an over- or under-pronator?

Here are two simple ways to discover if your gait is aligned correctly:

Shoe Check

Inspect the wear pattern on the bottom of your shoes. If the shoe is worn down heavily on the far outside edge of the shoe, you may be affected by underpronation. If the shoe is worn down along the inside of your heel and ball of your foot, you may be dealing with overpronation.

Water Test

If you don’t have a good pair of shoes to check for wear, try the water test. Lay down a piece of cardboard and step on it with slightly wet feet. When you step off, your footprint will look like one of the patterns above. If the center segment of your footprint is either very wide or very thin, you could have a pronation condition.

The Warwick Wedge™ can help.

The Warwick Wedge™ is an over-the-counter orthotic insole designed to correct misalignment caused by overpronation or underpronation. With a 4-degree angle and reversible design, the wedge relieves pain and stiffness in the lower back, legs, ankles and feet caused by an improperly pronated foot. The Warwick Wedge™ is available in three sizes and is sold individually on our website.

If you experience inflammation and irritation down the back of your lower leg after exercising, you may have Achilles tendinitis.

Achille tendinitis is a painful condition caused by overuse of your Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and bears most of the stress it endures from walking, running, or jumping. But if you suddenly increase the intensity or duration of your exercise routine, you’re at risk for developing Achilles tendinitis.

What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?

On average, Achilles tendinitis occurs more frequently in men than women and in older people than younger people. Existing ailments like flat arches, obesity, tight calf muscles, high blood pressure and psoriasis contribute to the condition. Training in cold weather or in poor footwear can also increase your likelihood of developing an Achilles issue.

What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis?

The trademark symptom of Achilles tendinitis is pain and stiffness on the back of either leg above the heel, where the Achilles tendon is located. It usually starts as a dull ache that can be mistaken as typical soreness after exercise but then advances to severe pain and swelling with continued use. If left untreated, the condition can lead to a thickening of the tendon and the formation of bone spurs (also called insertional tendinitis).

Can Achilles Tendinitis be Cured?

Fortunately, people who suffer Achilles tendinitis typically see results from simple, at-home treatment methods, including:

• Wearing supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or heel lifts
• Using a splint at night to keep your Achilles tendon in a stretched position while sleeping
• Utilizing the RICE method as needed: Rest/Ice/Compression/Elevate
• Taking an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve) to relieve pain

If the condition persists after implementing at-home care, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options, such as, a referral to physical therapist, prescription pain medication, or surgical treatment.

How Does a Heel Lift Help Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendonitis typically develops as a result of an excessive load on the tendon. Decreasing the load on the tendon can be achieved through the use of a heel lift. A lift in the shoe will help keep the hind foot slightly elevated—which shortens the tendon and the muscle—essentially reducing the range of motion needed to walk.

Our signature heel lift, the Adjust-A-Lift® Heel Lift, is a firm rubber insert designed for placement in the back of the shoe beneath the heel experiencing Achilles tendinitis pain. It raises the heel up to 3/8 of an inch inside the shoe to relieve stress on the Achilles tendon. It features a unique customization – the lift is made of three 1/8-inch peelable layers held together with double-sided adhesive. You can adjust to your preferred height by simply peeling off a layer of the insert. You can experience the relief from a heel lift in all kinds of weather, with or without shoes, by wearing our Adjustable Heel Lift Ankle Sock.

It’s important to note, that when using a heel lift for Achilles tendonitis, you should also use a heel lift in the shoes of the non-affected foot as well. Using a heel lift in only one shoe will cause a leg length imbalance, resulting in a risk for stressing the lower back, hip and knee.

The Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift® comes in three sizes and costs $11.40 per individual insert. We also offer a discount for bulk quantities. Learn more and order your Adjust-A-Lift Heel Lift® on our website today to start finding relief from your Achilles tendinitis pain.