Pain Caused by Flat Feet Can be Treated with Orthotics

The results of a recent study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association concluded that a surprising 73% of those surveyed reported that they are dealing with painful foot conditions. Why have foot ailments and pain become so commonplace in the doctor’s office? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the types of shoes they wear, the activities they engage in, or how their feet are formed. The use of ill-fitting shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. People who engage in athletic activites are another segment of the population that are often affected by painful foot conditions. Factors such as poor support can all be reasons for pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how the foot was formed in the womb. This can increase the risk that someone will suffer from an array of painful foot conditions.

Foot Biomechanics: How the Foot Works

Low arches can cause an inward rolling of the feet which can make activities painful. The foot handles balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The areas of the foot that provide this balanced relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals. The arch gives tremendous strength and flexibility so the foot remains stable. This harmony can be disrupted by high arches or fallen arches, which can cause the foot to rotate strangely. With high arches, the weight of the body is strangely emphasized on the outer ridge of the foot , a condition known as over-supination. On the other hand, overpronation takes place with low arches because the weight of the body is concentrated on the inside of the foot, forcing the feet to roll toward the inside .

Serious Foot Issues Occur with Overpronation
A quick way to see if low arches or high arches are an issue is to go to a place where a foot impression can be made, such as on cement. Dip one foot in cold water and then step onto a dry surface. Then, pick the foot up and look at the print that the foot leaves. A foot with overpronation will leave a full foot imprint where all of the skin of the foot has made contact with the ground. A high arch will leave just a portion of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and the heel. Either of these arch malformations can cause bony growths in the heel or treatment for plantar fascitis because the foot has to deal with repeated and excessive pressure in places it is not intended to handle.

Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Treatment For Flat Feet

Persons with pain caused by low arches, heel spurs, or who need treatment for plantar fascitis can experience relief for their pain if they use orthotics. They provide the needed support to remedy the areas in the arch that have been weakened. They also provide cushioning in areas where repeated and excessive there is excess pressure on the foot in the heel and ball areas. Orthotics are available in several sizes and styles and are made to meet everyone’s needs no matter what their activity level.