Podiatrists deal with patients that have sore and swollen feet and ankles every day. In most cases the cause of the discomfort is that the patient is wearing the wrong type of shoe or shoes that do not fit properly. However, patients with flat feet also experience discomfort, sometimes constantly. In most cases the use of special insoles that can be inserted in standard shoes can provide almost immediate relief. Arch support orthotics not only benefits people with flat feet, however.
Low or non existent insteps lead to a variety of foot problems. Many sufferers cannot stand on tip toes and they experience intense pain if they have to stand for long periods of time. Their feet and ankles tend to swell up in hot weather and many sufferers also experience constant lower back pain. Their shoes wear unevenly and they struggle to find footwear that is wide enough.
There is no remedy for flat feet. This does not mean that there is nothing that can be done, however. Insoles go a long way in supporting the instep and in providing relief from pain and discomfort. Insoles are available freely and in most cases they can be used with several pairs of shoes. In some rare cases, for example when the feet are deformed, it may be necessary to have special insoles manufactured.
A small number of podiatrists have attempted to cure flat feet by surgically inserting an artificial support device in the ankle. However, the vast majority of podiatrists shun this idea. They describe this operation as irresponsible and very risky. The chances of something going wrong are unacceptably high and the patient will experience constant lifelong pain. The risk is simply not worth it.
While insoles can do much to help prevent pain, people with flat feet are also encouraged to do exercises that will strengthen the ligaments in the feet and ankles and improve the flexibility of the muscles. Walking barefoot, preferably in sand, running on the toes and regularly stretching the toes and feet will all contribute towards this goal.
All babies are born with flat feet. In some people the arches simply fail to develop and they have to live with flat feet. In other cases people develop flat feet later on in life. The tendons along the ankles often weaken with age. Injuries to and inflammation in the tendons can also lead to fallen insteps. Obese people and those suffering from arthritis are particularly prone to developing flat feet.
There is much that can be done to prevent the arches from falling later in life. Wearing the correct type of shoe is one of the most important ways in which to prevent flat feet. Active people participating in sport should wear the type of footwear that is designed for that specific sport and women should avoid high heels if possible.
Chronic foot pain can make it difficult for people to move around freely. Insoles can do much to help people with flat feet to relieve pain and discomfort. Care should be taken, however, to buy from reputable manufacturers only. If in doubt, advice from a podiatrist should be sought.
Low or non existent insteps lead to a variety of foot problems. Many sufferers cannot stand on tip toes and they experience intense pain if they have to stand for long periods of time. Their feet and ankles tend to swell up in hot weather and many sufferers also experience constant lower back pain. Their shoes wear unevenly and they struggle to find footwear that is wide enough.
There is no remedy for flat feet. This does not mean that there is nothing that can be done, however. Insoles go a long way in supporting the instep and in providing relief from pain and discomfort. Insoles are available freely and in most cases they can be used with several pairs of shoes. In some rare cases, for example when the feet are deformed, it may be necessary to have special insoles manufactured.
A small number of podiatrists have attempted to cure flat feet by surgically inserting an artificial support device in the ankle. However, the vast majority of podiatrists shun this idea. They describe this operation as irresponsible and very risky. The chances of something going wrong are unacceptably high and the patient will experience constant lifelong pain. The risk is simply not worth it.
While insoles can do much to help prevent pain, people with flat feet are also encouraged to do exercises that will strengthen the ligaments in the feet and ankles and improve the flexibility of the muscles. Walking barefoot, preferably in sand, running on the toes and regularly stretching the toes and feet will all contribute towards this goal.
All babies are born with flat feet. In some people the arches simply fail to develop and they have to live with flat feet. In other cases people develop flat feet later on in life. The tendons along the ankles often weaken with age. Injuries to and inflammation in the tendons can also lead to fallen insteps. Obese people and those suffering from arthritis are particularly prone to developing flat feet.
There is much that can be done to prevent the arches from falling later in life. Wearing the correct type of shoe is one of the most important ways in which to prevent flat feet. Active people participating in sport should wear the type of footwear that is designed for that specific sport and women should avoid high heels if possible.
Chronic foot pain can make it difficult for people to move around freely. Insoles can do much to help people with flat feet to relieve pain and discomfort. Care should be taken, however, to buy from reputable manufacturers only. If in doubt, advice from a podiatrist should be sought.
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