The human foot is perfectly designed for walking and running on natural surfaces, but not standing for hours on hard floor while waiting on customers. Discarding the shoes and going barefoot solves many foot problems, but is not a realistic option outdoors. When feet hurt, every moment becomes an endurance test. Although there is no instant remedy, arch supports for flat feet can provide a measure of relief.
Surprisingly, having flat feet is not a medical condition or disease, although it can indicate other issues. At birth, a child has uniform arches, and the characteristic curve of the sole does not develop until the age of four or five. As ligaments, tendons, muscle and bones grow stronger, a concave surface appears, but many people never develop this curvature, and still live without experiencing foot problems.
In adulthood, physical symptoms may emerge if arthritis flares, nerve degeneration progresses, or when tendons are injured. For many people, the source of discomfort may be as obvious as wearing fashionably ill-fitting footwear, but other factors can also create problems. Bones broken earlier in life can develop painful issues over time, and the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis wreak joint havoc.
Those who suspect that they have arch issues can easily find out the truth by getting a foot wet, then standing on a dry area that will easily produce a print. When the entire area appears wet, the foot may technically fit that category. While not necessarily a serious medical issue, flatness may become a source of discomfort, especially when it did not previously exist.
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.
Long-term medical treatment or surgery is usually unnecessary. For many people, a change in habits makes a huge difference, but job considerations may make them impractical. Orthotic inserts or supports are the method most often chosen to temporarily ease the pain. They are designed to provide extra support, vary widely in design and cost, and range from simple foam pads to space age synthetics.
Recommending orthotic supports has generated medical controversy. Some doctors feel that they provide few benefits, and may only mask a problem that can be solved more efficiently by eliminating the underlying causes. They see foot discomfort as a symptom rather than a separate disorder, and some favor making changes in diet, exercise, and general lifestyle rather than spending money on temporary fixes.
Wearing orthotic support makes good sense when foot pain predominates. While not a cure for flat arches, they can provide temporary relief for some of the associated aches and pains. There is no actual proof that they weaken the foot or cause further damage, and most podiatrists recommend them together with appropriate exercises and well-fitting shoes.
Surprisingly, having flat feet is not a medical condition or disease, although it can indicate other issues. At birth, a child has uniform arches, and the characteristic curve of the sole does not develop until the age of four or five. As ligaments, tendons, muscle and bones grow stronger, a concave surface appears, but many people never develop this curvature, and still live without experiencing foot problems.
In adulthood, physical symptoms may emerge if arthritis flares, nerve degeneration progresses, or when tendons are injured. For many people, the source of discomfort may be as obvious as wearing fashionably ill-fitting footwear, but other factors can also create problems. Bones broken earlier in life can develop painful issues over time, and the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis wreak joint havoc.
Those who suspect that they have arch issues can easily find out the truth by getting a foot wet, then standing on a dry area that will easily produce a print. When the entire area appears wet, the foot may technically fit that category. While not necessarily a serious medical issue, flatness may become a source of discomfort, especially when it did not previously exist.
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.
Long-term medical treatment or surgery is usually unnecessary. For many people, a change in habits makes a huge difference, but job considerations may make them impractical. Orthotic inserts or supports are the method most often chosen to temporarily ease the pain. They are designed to provide extra support, vary widely in design and cost, and range from simple foam pads to space age synthetics.
Recommending orthotic supports has generated medical controversy. Some doctors feel that they provide few benefits, and may only mask a problem that can be solved more efficiently by eliminating the underlying causes. They see foot discomfort as a symptom rather than a separate disorder, and some favor making changes in diet, exercise, and general lifestyle rather than spending money on temporary fixes.
Wearing orthotic support makes good sense when foot pain predominates. While not a cure for flat arches, they can provide temporary relief for some of the associated aches and pains. There is no actual proof that they weaken the foot or cause further damage, and most podiatrists recommend them together with appropriate exercises and well-fitting shoes.
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