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.
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.
Those who suspect a problem can check easily by wetting the foot, then standing on a dry spot that will easily show the print. A uniformly solid print without any gaps indicates that the arch may technically be called flat. This may or may not be an actual medical problem, but if it is a new discovery, or is accompanied by sharp pain, a medical appointment may be needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Those who suspect a problem can check easily by wetting the foot, then standing on a dry spot that will easily show the print. A uniformly solid print without any gaps indicates that the arch may technically be called flat. This may or may not be an actual medical problem, but if it is a new discovery, or is accompanied by sharp pain, a medical appointment may be needed.
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.
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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