Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Jill Faulkner


Arch supports for flat feet can help to correct a painful condition. This structural problem of one's foot may be hereditary, and cause problems all one's life. In addition, pain may occur in individuals suffering from falling arches. Arches fall due the weight they must bear.

This condition is fairly common, and while it may not cause problems itself, it can be a contributing factor to other problems in the foot, ankle or knees. Babies are born without arches, but they develop during childhood. By the time they reach adulthood, most individual have developed arches, but some never do.

Sometimes arches fall over time. As the person ages, wear and tear can weaken the posterior tibial tendon found in the foot between the ankle and toes. The structure forms the primary support for one's arches. If overloaded, it becomes inflamed and causes pain. If it is torn, the arches may lose their support and become flattened once again.

Many foot problems are traced back to the flat foot. This particular structure of one's foot leads to extreme stress on muscles, bones and connective tissue. One of the more common results is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This condition can cause severe discomfort and is the precursor of other foot problems. Unless a persons's arches are properly supported, the simplest of movements may cause misalignment adding to the strain, stress and fatigue of the lower body.

Subjecting arches to ongoing stress may result in loss of the natural support they need. Long term use of high heels or other poorly designed shoes can affect one's Achilles tendon and cause structural changes in the ankle. This forces the posterior tibial tendon to compensate and it breaks down so the arches fall.

While pain in one's arches is one of the symptoms caused by this problem, the pain does not just end there. Many suffering from this type of problem will also experience more pain and fatigue that reaches through the leg, including the heel and knee to the lower back. Supporting the arches can reduce one's symptoms.

While one can do nothing about his or her heredity, there are some things that can prevent the pain from occurring. Choose shoes that offer adequate support for the arches. In addition, the individual may want to avoid standing or walking for extended periods, especially if wearing heels. Overuse during work or sports may lead to additional pain. Individuals who are overweight may find losing some weight can reduce the stress on the arches.

Pain is often the result of a lack of support. In addition to taking steps to provide support for the structure of the foot, sufferers may want to speak with a doctor about the pain. He or she can make recommendations that may be helpful.

Arch supports for flat feet may help to prevent pain that individuals suffer from the condition. By providing the support, one can reduce stress from the tendon and keep the foot structure in a more natural position. Using proper support, tendon inflammation may be relieved and pain reduced.




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1 comment:

  1. Yes you are right flat feet can be genetic but others may have due to mistreating their feet by wearing high heels for extended periods or shoes without support.

    High Arch Supports

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