Sunday, March 24, 2013

What To Know About Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Jill Faulkner


Arch supports for flat feet may help to reduce the pain one experiences. This structural problem with a person's foot is often hereditary and the problems it causes can be lifelong. In addition, those who suffer from falling arches, often due to carrying excess weight may experience similar problems.

In actuality, the condition is fairly common. While it is not often the direct cause of a problem it may contribute to other conditions in one's foot, knee or ankle. When babies are born, they do not have arches, however they develop during childhood. Most, but not all, adults will have developed arches.

Even though they develop, arches can fall with the aging process. Time, wear and tear may weaken tendons in the foot responsible for the arch. The tendon is what gives the arches their shape and raises them from the floor. When overloaded, they can become inflamed resulting in pain. If the tendon is torn, the arches lose their support and fall to the floor 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.

Heredity is something that one is unable to change; however, there are things that may prevent more pain. Select shoes that provide the necessary support for the feet. In addition, avoid overworking the foot by standing or walking for long periods. Avoid high heels when required to stand for extended periods. If overweight, losing a few pounds can help to reduce the stress one experiences in the foot, ankle or knee.

A lack of support can lead to more pain. In addition to taking steps to ensure support for the foot's structure, sufferers might need to see a doctor about their pain. The physician can make other helpful recommendations to reduce suffering.

Arch supports for flat feet help to reduce pain. By giving the feet proper support the stress on tendons and other tissues in the foot are reduced. Support can stop inflammation of tendons, allow healing and relieve pain in the foot as well as other affected areas.




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