If getting out of bed in the morning is punctuated by an intensely sharp pain in the heel, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. One in ten people experience it, and many have long-term issues. The condition is most common during middle age, but is also a problem for younger people who are physically active. Shoe orthotics for plantar fasciitis help eliminate the sources of pressure responsible for causing discomfort.
Orthotics is a general term for describing shoe inserts designed to reduce pain and discomfort. They are commonly called arch supports, even though their purpose involves more than simply raising that portion of the foot. They are intended to create a more natural way of moving that not only soothes existing problems, but also helps prevent them from occurring by altering the way feet move during activity.
A number of conditions produce similar symptoms, and self-diagnosis of chronic heel pain may overlook a more serious problem. If pain is severe, long lasting, or causes problems moving about, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist. In most cases discomfort is limited, but still may take more than a year to resolve. Rest is one of the most-recommended solutions.
In some cases exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot are useful, but not in all situations. The most common culprit is ill-fitting shoes. While they may not be as fashionable outwardly, footwear that has cushioned, thick soles composed of dense, impact-absorbing materials are beneficial for active adults. People who have low arches, or so-called flat feet, often require extra support.
While arches generally do actually collapse, they are often a source of discomfort. People born with them cannot absorb hard-surface impacts in the same way as those with ideal foot imprints. Additional support may be added by wearing specially made shoes, inserting cushioning pads, or by taping the foot daily. In some cases, these solutions provide greater relief than regularly using NSAID pain medications.
Relatively inexpensive over-the-counter supports are not a panacea, but can be helpful. Their benefits vary according to the materials used in manufacture, and some provide longer-lasting relief than others. The supporting material should be dense enough not to completely flatten, while still providing additional support during activity. They are especially helpful for growing adolescents.
For many adults the most successful solution is custom orthotics. An imprint is taken that clearly shows potential problem areas, allowing creation of an insert that reduces risk factors for heel pain. Most are more rigid than commercial varieties, and stress longitudinal support over the length of the foot. In some cases specific heel cups may also provide longer-term relief.
Although the cost of creating custom inserts is not insignificant, and may not be paid for by insurance, the outcome can be worth the investment. Foot pain makes all activities more difficult, and impacts all aspects of life. If taping, rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, and standard arch supports are not effective, orthotics created under the guidance of a doctor can be a welcome solution.
Orthotics is a general term for describing shoe inserts designed to reduce pain and discomfort. They are commonly called arch supports, even though their purpose involves more than simply raising that portion of the foot. They are intended to create a more natural way of moving that not only soothes existing problems, but also helps prevent them from occurring by altering the way feet move during activity.
A number of conditions produce similar symptoms, and self-diagnosis of chronic heel pain may overlook a more serious problem. If pain is severe, long lasting, or causes problems moving about, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist. In most cases discomfort is limited, but still may take more than a year to resolve. Rest is one of the most-recommended solutions.
In some cases exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot are useful, but not in all situations. The most common culprit is ill-fitting shoes. While they may not be as fashionable outwardly, footwear that has cushioned, thick soles composed of dense, impact-absorbing materials are beneficial for active adults. People who have low arches, or so-called flat feet, often require extra support.
While arches generally do actually collapse, they are often a source of discomfort. People born with them cannot absorb hard-surface impacts in the same way as those with ideal foot imprints. Additional support may be added by wearing specially made shoes, inserting cushioning pads, or by taping the foot daily. In some cases, these solutions provide greater relief than regularly using NSAID pain medications.
Relatively inexpensive over-the-counter supports are not a panacea, but can be helpful. Their benefits vary according to the materials used in manufacture, and some provide longer-lasting relief than others. The supporting material should be dense enough not to completely flatten, while still providing additional support during activity. They are especially helpful for growing adolescents.
For many adults the most successful solution is custom orthotics. An imprint is taken that clearly shows potential problem areas, allowing creation of an insert that reduces risk factors for heel pain. Most are more rigid than commercial varieties, and stress longitudinal support over the length of the foot. In some cases specific heel cups may also provide longer-term relief.
Although the cost of creating custom inserts is not insignificant, and may not be paid for by insurance, the outcome can be worth the investment. Foot pain makes all activities more difficult, and impacts all aspects of life. If taping, rest, strengthening and stretching exercises, and standard arch supports are not effective, orthotics created under the guidance of a doctor can be a welcome solution.
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