|
By Dave Wilson
Are you one of those people who are said to be flat footed?
Having a flat foot is a condition where the foot does not have
a normal arch. You may find it affects just one or both feet.
The arch is the gap between the inner side of the foot and the
ground when standing up. There are many people who have very
low arches and some who have no arches and are termed
flat-footed.
There are various symptoms associated with the condition, with
the number dependent on the severity of the condition. Some
sufferers develop corns and hard skin under the sole of their
feet and the arch area can also become tender. Most
flat-footed
individuals tend go through shoes pretty quickly. In extreme
cases some patients may experience calf, knee, hip and back
pains.
What causes flat feet?
Flat-footedness may be hereditary so check your family
history.
It may also be the result of abnormal walking conditions
caused
by incorrect development of the foot.
A ruptured tendon may also cause flat-footedness. Cerebral
palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy can also result in
a
flat foot condition. Suffering from flat feet can lead
directly
to arch pain.
Some ways to treat flat footedness include:
• Wearing wider size shoes
• Never self-treat secondary lesions
• Buy high quality insoles to take the pressure and pain away
from the arch.
Traditionally, insoles (also called orthotics) are plastic
inserts that are placed inside the shoe. The insert cups the
heel as well supports the arch, but since they aren’t flexible
they don’t extend along the full length of the foot. These
types of insoles are uncomfortable and ineffective for most
flat-footed persons.
Although, older style insoles forced the arch into its correct
position they didn’t relieve the pressure that was forcing the
arch to collapse. This is the reason why new and better
flexible insoles were created. Theses new breed of insoles are
incredibly supportive and provide a stable treatment for
flat-footed patients. But before buying insoles it would be
best to consult your doctor to discuss what type of insoles
are
right for your unique situation.
What is arch pain?
Arch pain refers to inflammation or a burning sensation right
in the arch area of the foot. The plantar fascia, a broad band
of fibrous tissue found at the bottom of the foot may become
inflamed leading to arch pain.
The treatments for arch pain include avoiding high-heeled
shoes, and trying some high quality insoles to remove pressure
(and pain) from the arch.
An best insole for arch pain is one that offers foot support
and helps correct posture and body mechanics. These types of
soles are intended to prevent foot strain and injury. It also
keeps feet from rolling inward, which can result in the entire
lower body being out of alignment. Moreover, these types of
soles cure the underlying cause of arch pain and help to
restore the natural arch of the foot.
If you think you have any of the foot problems discussed here,
consult your own doctor for the treatments that will be best
for your unique situation.
About The Author: By Dave Wilson. For more information and to
sign up for a Free Foot Pain Relief Newsletter please visit
www.foot-pain-relief.com or for more articles click
here
www.foot-pain-relief.com/archpain.html.
|