Tuesday 29 July 2014

How Arch Support Orthotics Can Help Prevent Foot Problems

By Sharron Cantu


Swollen and painful feet are problems encountered by podiatrists every day. In the vast majority of the cases faced by these professionals the cause can be traced back to the shoes the patients wear. They either do not fit well or the patient participates in sporting activities without bothering to wear the correct shoes. Many patients suffer from common problems such as flat feet. IN many cases the problem can be remedied with arch support orthotics.

Fallen insteps can cause a number of symptoms. Some sufferers experience constant pain in the feet and ankles. The also commonly suffer from swollen ankles and feet. Most people with this condition cannot stand uptight for long and they find it extremely difficult to stand on their toes. Their shoes wear unevenly and much quicker than those of other people. Lower back pain is also a common complaint.

There is no cure for flat feet. Insoles remain one of the most effective remedies however. Even if they do not lead to a cure, they still provide immense relief. They are designed to support the arches, helping sufferers to stand up straight. They are freely available over the counter but some patients need custom made insoles if their feet are deformed in any way.

A small number of podiatrists have attempted to cure flat feet by surgically inserting an artificial support device in the ankle. However, the vast majority of podiatrists shun this idea. They describe this operation as irresponsible and very risky. The chances of something going wrong are unacceptably high and the patient will experience constant lifelong pain. The risk is simply not worth it.

Apart from wearing insoles, people with flat feet can avoid pain and discomfort with a few simple exercises. Patients are advised to try and run on their toes and to regularly stretch the toes as wide as possible. It is also highly recommended that people with flat feet walk barefoot as often as they can. When exercising regularly the tendons and ligaments in the feet will grow stronger.

While everybody is born with flat feet some people simply never develop arches. Many other people only develop flat feet later in life. One of the main reasons is obesity and people with arthritis are also prone to develop the condition. Injuries to the feet often lead to inflamed tendons and if this is not treated flat feet can be the result.

There is much that can be done to prevent the arches from falling later in life. Wearing the correct type of shoe is one of the most important ways in which to prevent flat feet. Active people participating in sport should wear the type of footwear that is designed for that specific sport and women should avoid high heels if possible.

Insoles can do much to help people suffering from flat feet to avoid constant pain and discomfort. It is important to buy only quality products from reputable dealers. Inferior products can actually more harm than good, causing blisters and placing pressure upon the foot. Any podiatrist can give advice on which products are best.




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