How To Relieve Foot Pain By Using Insoles For Flat Feet

By Rosella Campbell


Podiatrists agree that the most common problem that they have to deal with is painful feet that are almost always caused by the wearing of the wrong type of shoe. Another very common condition is fallen arches. People suffering from this condition have no instep, or arch. This is the part of the foot that is raised when standing up. In many cases insoles for flat feet can remedy the situation.

Fallen arches can be the cause of a range of symptoms. Some sufferers experience constant pain but most sufferers experience at least some pain when they are forced to stand for extended periods of time. Standing for long periods can also cause intense pain in the lower back region. The swelling of the inside of the ankles is also a common complaint. The condition makes it difficult to for sufferers to stand on their toes.

There is no cure for this condition. Podiatrists routinely recommend sufferers to try special soles that are designed to support the arches. The vast majority of sufferers benefit from these soles. They can be bought over the counter and in special cases a podiatrist can even order a custom made set if, for some reason, ready made products simply do not provide relief.

Although there is no cure for the conditions, sufferers can do much to help lessen the severity of the symptoms. Podiatrists advise the patients to walk barefoot as often as possible, preferably in sand. This will strengthen the ligaments in the foot. It is also helpful to try and run on the toes for as long as possible and to stretch the toes as wide as is possible.

In some extremely rare cases surgery is attempted to try and restore the arches. An artificial insert is placed in the bones of the ankle. However, many experts warn that this surgery is dangerous and that a failure will mean that the patient will suffer constant pain over the long term. There is even a danger that the foot may become deformed.

There are many reasons why the arches drop. Some people are born that way and the arches simply never develop. Many older people develop the condition because the tendons along the ankles weakened. The cause can also be physical injuries that cause the tendons to become inflamed. Obese people and those suffering from arthritis are very likely to develop dropped arches.

Unless somebody has suffered from dropped arches since birth, steps can be taken to prevent it from happening later on in life. One of the most important steps is to maintain a healthy weight. It is also vital to wear shoes that fit properly. Those participating in sport should wear the shoes that have been designed for that sport. Women should limit the number of times they wear high heels.

Wearing special shoe inserts designed to support the arches is risk free and is even beneficial for those not suffering from dropped arches. These inserts are economical because the can be transferred between different pairs of shoes. Pain and discomfort can be avoided by performing special exercises regularly and by avoiding situations where it is necessary to stand for long periods.




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