Foot Pain 101: Your Preventive Treatment Plan for Flat Feet and Overpronation
The results of a recent study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association concluded that an amazing 73% of those surveyed reported that they are suffering from painful foot conditions. Why are more patients complaining of foot pain in the examination room? Most patients have issues with their feet because of: the kind of footwear they use, what activities they participate in, or how their feet are structured. Wearing poorly-fitting shoes can greatly exacerbate existing foot issues. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are highly-affected individuals who experience painful feet. Factors such as flat feet, over-pronation, and insufficient 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 likelihood of developing painful foot conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciits.
How the Foot Works on the Inside
It is clear that overpronation can cause can make running or walking painful because the foot rotates inward. The foot is in charge of bearing the weight of the body and providing balance and stability. The parts of the foot that help to keep the foot in perfect harmony with the body include the arch, heel, tarsals and meta-tarsals staggering. The arch gives the majority of the foot’s stability in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain can result from raised arches or abnormally-low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate strangely. With high arches, the weight of the body is abnormally emphasized on the outer edge of the foot (oversupination). Conversely, overpronation happens with fallen arches because the inside of the foot takes the brunt of the body’s weight, causing the ankles to roll inward .
Serious Foot Issues Occur with Flat Feet
A quick test to see if fallen arches or high arches are an issue is to go outside and stand on an area where a foot impression can be made, such as on concrete. Dip one foot in cold water and then stamp your foot onto the dry surface. Then, remove the foot off the ground and see the print that the foot leaves. A flat foot with overpronation will leave a total foot imprint where all of the skin of the foot has made contact with the ground. A high arch will leave just a portion of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and heel of the foot. Either of these arch dysfunctions can contribute to heel spurs, because the foot takes repeated and excessive pressure in places it is not intended to handle.
Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Fallen Arches
Persons with pain caused by fallen arches, heel spurs, or who need flat feet treatment can find the pain eliminated with the use of orthotic insoles. They provide the needed support to stabilize the weakened areas in the arch of the foot. They also offer 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 constructed to meet everyone’s needs no matter what their activity level.