Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Jill Faulkner


Arch supports for flat feet offer a noninvasive way to reduce one's suffering. This structural problem within a person's foot may be hereditary and can lead to lifelong problems. Additionally, individuals may suffer from falling arches due to weight problems or overworking the foot.

This condition is fairly common, and while it may not cause problems itself, it can be a contributing factor to other problems in the foot, ankle or knees. Babies are born without arches, but they develop during childhood. By the time they reach adulthood, most individual have developed arches, but some never do.

Even though they develop, arches can fall with the aging process. Time, wear and tear may weaken tendons in the foot responsible for the arch. The tendon is what gives the arches their shape and raises them from the floor. When overloaded, they can become inflamed resulting in pain. If the tendon is torn, the arches lose their support and fall to the floor again.

Many foot problems are traced back to the flat foot. This particular structure of one's foot leads to extreme stress on muscles, bones and connective tissue. One of the more common results is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This condition can cause severe discomfort and is the precursor of other foot problems. Unless a persons's arches are properly supported, the simplest of movements may cause misalignment adding to the strain, stress and fatigue of the lower body.

Ongoing foot stress may result in the loss of natural support for an individual's arches. Long term wearing of high heels affects the Achilles tendon and changes the mechanics of the ankle. Since the posterior tibial tendon is forced to compensate it breaks down allowing arches to fall.

Although pain of the arches if one of the symptoms due to this problem, the pain itself may not end at the foot. The pain and fatigue often extend to affect one's leg, including both heels and knees and may extend all the way into the lower back. Support of the arches is one way to reduce the symptoms one experiences.

If heredity is working against the person, there is little he or she can do to change it. However, it is possible to take steps to reduce the pain one might experience. Selecting shoes that offer the needed support for the arches is often a simple step. By avoiding high heels, especially on days one will be standing or walking for long periods, the stress is reduced. Individuals who are overweight can help to avoid falling arches by losing weight to reduce the stress on the tendon.

Pain is often the result of a lack of support. In addition to taking steps to provide support for the structure of the foot, sufferers may want to speak with a doctor about the pain. He or she can make recommendations that may be helpful.

Arch supports for flat feet help to reduce pain. By giving the feet proper support the stress on tendons and other tissues in the foot are reduced. Support can stop inflammation of tendons, allow healing and relieve pain in the foot as well as other affected areas.




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