How to Find Relief for Your Flat Feet or Foot Overpronation
According to a study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, a staggering 73 percent of people polled revealed that they are dealing with pain in their feet. Why are more patients complaining of foot pain in the examination room? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the kind of footwear they use, the activities they engage in, or the way their feet are formed. Wearing poorly-fitting shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are mostly-affected by painful foot conditions. Factors such as bad 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 normally a foot is formed. This can increase the risk of someone having pain issues with their feet.
Foot Biomechanics: The Evils of Overpronation and Over-supination
Flat feet can cause abnormal rotation of the feet when walking or running. The foot is responsible for balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The portions of the foot that help to keep the foot in harmony with the body include the arch, heel, tarsals and meta-tarsals staggering. The arch gives stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain can result from raised arches or abnormally-low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate oddly. In high arches, the weight of the body is oddly emphasized on the outer ridge of the foot (oversupination). However, overpronation ensues with flat feet because the weight of the body is concentrated on the inside of the foot, forcing the feet to roll toward the inside .
Fallen Arches Can Lead to Serious Foot Problems
A quick test to see if flat feet or high arches are a problem is to go outside and stand on an area where a foot impression can be made, such as on concrete. Sink one of the feet in cool water and then stand normally for a few seconds. Then, lift the foot off the ground and see the mark 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 part of the ball of the foot’s, outer portion, and the heel. Either of these arch conditions can cause painful spurs of bone in the heel or treatment for plantar fascitis because the foot experiences repeated and excessive pressure on points that were not intended to have impact.
Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis
Those who have flat feet, heel spurs, or who need treatment for plantar fasciitis can experience the pain eliminated with the use of orthotic insoles. They provide the needed support to stabilize the weak structures in the foot, such as those that make up the arch. They also provide cushioning in areas where repeated and excessive pressure in the ball of the foot and heel. Orthotics are available in many sizes and types and are designed to keep up with anyone’s activity level.
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