Human feet are designed to support creatures who walk upright over a wide variety of terrain, not for standing motionless for hours behind a cash register in uncomfortable shoes. Running barefoot is a happier and healthier alternative, but ultimately impractical. When they hurt, every activity suffers. Although there is no instant remedy for this condition, arch supports for flat feet can help.
While this condition might be symptomatic of addition physical problems, the medical community does no classify it as a disease or physical defect. When born, a baby has naturally level soles, and will not develop the characteristic arch until around four or five years of age, depending on the growth rate of various ligaments, tendons, muscles and bone. Many people have naturally flat arches.
Problems arise for adults when tendons become stretched or torn, or if arthritis or nerve degeneration is a factor. The cause of this pain can be as simple as wearing the wrong high-heeled shoes, but other physical issues can also generate symptoms. Previously broken bones can cause skeletal problems later in life, and rheumatoid arthritis produces aching joints.
People suspecting that their arches have changed can easily check them by stepping in water, then standing for a moment on a dry surface that will show a print. If the outline appears uniformly solid, the arch is flatter than what is technically considered normal. If this is a new development, there may or may not be a medical issue, depending on the amount of discomfort.
Other common problem indicators include unusual swelling on the sole, intense points of pain either in the heel or sole, chronic back and leg discomfort, problems standing for long periods, or the inability to remain on tiptoe. Physical condition and general lifestyle also contribute. Overweight individuals place more stress on joints, and high impact aerobics can encourage foot damage.
In most cases, there is no need for surgery or long-term treatment. Changes in habits and daily activities can make the most difference, but may not be practical. The most commonly used method of easing foot pain is through the use of orthotic inserts or insoles. These devices are slipped inside the shoe to provide specific extra support, and may be individually designed, or purchased over the counter.
There is controversy surrounding the efficacy of these devices. Some physicians maintain that healthy people do not need a temporary solution, and should instead concentrate on eliminating the factors that actually induce the pain. Some view foot discomfort as a symptom rather than a cause, and may actually discourage use of shoe inserts in favor of improved diet, exercise, and overall physical conditioning.
When pain predominates, however, orthotic supports can provide relief. Although they cannot actually restore fallen arches, they can ease some of the accompanying aches, especially when combined with changes in personal habits and practices. There is no scientific proof that they cause additional ligament or bone damage. For foot pain sufferers, they help make daily life bearable.
While this condition might be symptomatic of addition physical problems, the medical community does no classify it as a disease or physical defect. When born, a baby has naturally level soles, and will not develop the characteristic arch until around four or five years of age, depending on the growth rate of various ligaments, tendons, muscles and bone. Many people have naturally flat arches.
Problems arise for adults when tendons become stretched or torn, or if arthritis or nerve degeneration is a factor. The cause of this pain can be as simple as wearing the wrong high-heeled shoes, but other physical issues can also generate symptoms. Previously broken bones can cause skeletal problems later in life, and rheumatoid arthritis produces aching joints.
People suspecting that their arches have changed can easily check them by stepping in water, then standing for a moment on a dry surface that will show a print. If the outline appears uniformly solid, the arch is flatter than what is technically considered normal. If this is a new development, there may or may not be a medical issue, depending on the amount of discomfort.
Other common problem indicators include unusual swelling on the sole, intense points of pain either in the heel or sole, chronic back and leg discomfort, problems standing for long periods, or the inability to remain on tiptoe. Physical condition and general lifestyle also contribute. Overweight individuals place more stress on joints, and high impact aerobics can encourage foot damage.
In most cases, there is no need for surgery or long-term treatment. Changes in habits and daily activities can make the most difference, but may not be practical. The most commonly used method of easing foot pain is through the use of orthotic inserts or insoles. These devices are slipped inside the shoe to provide specific extra support, and may be individually designed, or purchased over the counter.
There is controversy surrounding the efficacy of these devices. Some physicians maintain that healthy people do not need a temporary solution, and should instead concentrate on eliminating the factors that actually induce the pain. Some view foot discomfort as a symptom rather than a cause, and may actually discourage use of shoe inserts in favor of improved diet, exercise, and overall physical conditioning.
When pain predominates, however, orthotic supports can provide relief. Although they cannot actually restore fallen arches, they can ease some of the accompanying aches, especially when combined with changes in personal habits and practices. There is no scientific proof that they cause additional ligament or bone damage. For foot pain sufferers, they help make daily life bearable.
About the Author:
Arch supports for flat feet are now available on the World Wide Web. You can get full details and information about the benefits of using these products at http://www.pedagusa.com.
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