Friday, January 11, 2013

The Benefits Of Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Claire Bolton


Almost everyone is aware of the fact that their full weight must be supported by the arches on the soles of their feet. Whether or not one has proper arches will affect his or her health. For instance, those whose arches never developed properly often experience early arthritis or suffer from back and neck pain. However, if a person invests in arch supports for flat feet, these problems can be eliminated or at least minimized.

Orthopedic shoes and devices such as arch supports are designed to realign one's spine to a neutral position where no pain or discomfort is experienced. Footwear of this type is manufactured to include a raised portion on the bed of the sole, which creates an arch for those who have flat feet. Removable inserts are also favored by many of those who suffer from flat feet.

Arch supports were developed for the purpose of alleviating discomfort in the back, neck, hips and knees from which those with flat feet frequently suffer. If such pressure is not controlled, the person's body will attempt to compensate, resulting in continuous pain. Numerous individuals are completely unaware of the fact that this discomfort and pain is being caused by inadequate foot support.

Study suggests that inadequate sole support can cause one to develop arthritis of the knees and hips. However, the inserts mentioned above can reduce this pressure and tension on an individual's joints, and in many cases, prevent early arthritis. Additional studies suggest that essentially all people over the age of 40 can benefit to some degree from such devices. This is due to the fact that one's arches usually begin falling after age 35.

Shoe inserts of this kind are available in drugstores and sporting good outlets, and can be found in various sizes. Virtually any individual can find a pair that is affordable, as they are associated with a broad price range. However, consumers should not base their selection on price alone, as it does little or no good to purchase poor quality devices that will quickly wear out.

Custom-made sole inserts are also an alternative for certain people. However, to obtain such devices a doctor's or podiatrist's prescription is typically needed. The customer must schedule appointment with such a professional for evaluation, after which a mold of the individual's foot is taken. The latter is then sent to the manufacturer who will be designing the device.

Additional conditions for which such devices may be helpful are bunions and uncomfortable heel spurs. Heel spurs develop when a tiny bone fragment in the individual's foot grows out at an appropriate angle, and subsequently places pressure on the surrounding tissue. Considerable discomfort and pain frequently accompany bone spurs. High-quality supports can reduce this pressure and alleviate individual's symptoms.

A doctor or podiatrist may recommend custom-made arch supports for flat feet. However, some clients do fine with over-the-counter devices, which can offer similar benefits in certain circumstances. The severity of the individual's condition will be the determining factor regarding whether or not custom-made inserts are needed. Those who think they may be suffering from fallen arches or other problems with their feet should seek the advice of a podiatrist or physician.




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