The human foot is ideally suited to walking upright and running on a variety of surfaces, but not standing for hours on hard floors wearing shoes that offer little support. Going barefoot is a healthier option, but is impractical most of the time. Foot pain can affect every movement, and while there is no universal remedy, arch supports for flat feet can be helpful in some cases.
The condition can be an indicator of existing problems, but is not considered a defect or disease. Children have level arches at birth, and do not develop the characteristic concave curve until age four or five. It appears as a result of the standard growth and development of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Many people have it their entire lives without experiencing discomfort.
In adulthood, physical symptoms may emerge if arthritis flares, nerve degeneration progresses, or when tendons are injured. For many people, the source of discomfort may be as obvious as wearing fashionably ill-fitting footwear, but other factors can also create problems. Bones broken earlier in life can develop painful issues over time, and the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis wreak joint havoc.
People suspecting that their arches have changed can easily check them by stepping in water, then standing for a moment on a dry surface that will show a print. If the outline appears uniformly solid, the arch is flatter than what is technically considered normal. If this is a new development, there may or may not be a medical issue, depending on the amount of discomfort.
The majority of symptoms include tiring easily when standing, having points of intense pain in the heel or middle of the sole, abnormal swelling on the underside of the foot, leg and back pain, and problems standing on tiptoe for more than an instant. Lifestyle and physical condition play a role. People with excess body weight suffer more, as well as those who regularly enjoy high-impact aerobics.
In most cases, there is no need for surgery or long-term treatment. Changes in habits and daily activities can make the most difference, but may not be practical. The most commonly used method of easing foot pain is through the use of orthotic inserts or insoles. These devices are slipped inside the shoe to provide specific extra support, and may be individually designed, or purchased over the counter.
There is controversy surrounding the efficacy of these devices. Some physicians maintain that healthy people do not need a temporary solution, and should instead concentrate on eliminating the factors that actually induce the pain. Some view foot discomfort as a symptom rather than a cause, and may actually discourage use of shoe inserts in favor of improved diet, exercise, and overall physical conditioning.
Wearing orthotic support makes good sense when foot pain predominates. While not a cure for flat arches, they can provide temporary relief for some of the associated aches and pains. There is no actual proof that they weaken the foot or cause further damage, and most podiatrists recommend them together with appropriate exercises and well-fitting shoes.
The condition can be an indicator of existing problems, but is not considered a defect or disease. Children have level arches at birth, and do not develop the characteristic concave curve until age four or five. It appears as a result of the standard growth and development of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Many people have it their entire lives without experiencing discomfort.
In adulthood, physical symptoms may emerge if arthritis flares, nerve degeneration progresses, or when tendons are injured. For many people, the source of discomfort may be as obvious as wearing fashionably ill-fitting footwear, but other factors can also create problems. Bones broken earlier in life can develop painful issues over time, and the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis wreak joint havoc.
People suspecting that their arches have changed can easily check them by stepping in water, then standing for a moment on a dry surface that will show a print. If the outline appears uniformly solid, the arch is flatter than what is technically considered normal. If this is a new development, there may or may not be a medical issue, depending on the amount of discomfort.
The majority of symptoms include tiring easily when standing, having points of intense pain in the heel or middle of the sole, abnormal swelling on the underside of the foot, leg and back pain, and problems standing on tiptoe for more than an instant. Lifestyle and physical condition play a role. People with excess body weight suffer more, as well as those who regularly enjoy high-impact aerobics.
In most cases, there is no need for surgery or long-term treatment. Changes in habits and daily activities can make the most difference, but may not be practical. The most commonly used method of easing foot pain is through the use of orthotic inserts or insoles. These devices are slipped inside the shoe to provide specific extra support, and may be individually designed, or purchased over the counter.
There is controversy surrounding the efficacy of these devices. Some physicians maintain that healthy people do not need a temporary solution, and should instead concentrate on eliminating the factors that actually induce the pain. Some view foot discomfort as a symptom rather than a cause, and may actually discourage use of shoe inserts in favor of improved diet, exercise, and overall physical conditioning.
Wearing orthotic support makes good sense when foot pain predominates. While not a cure for flat arches, they can provide temporary relief for some of the associated aches and pains. There is no actual proof that they weaken the foot or cause further damage, and most podiatrists recommend them together with appropriate exercises and well-fitting shoes.
About the Author:
You can visit www.pedagusa.com for more helpful information about Arch Supports For Flat Feet Help Eliminate Aches And Pains.
No comments:
Post a Comment