Flat Feet: Treatments And Solutions Using Orthotic Arch Supports
Filed Under Health & Fitness
Flat feet is a condition that occurs when the arch of your feet becomes weak. This condition can potentially lead to serious problems over time. This foot problem is often difficult to detect in babies and small children, since the arch usually develops over the first years. Having flat feet results in foot over-pronation, and can lead to foot deformities; it also affects the posture of a person. However, with the help of orthotic arch supports, this problem can be easily rectified in most cases.
Our Feet’s Arches and Their Importance to Foot Health
Most people, even so-called “flat-footed” people, have a small arch in their feet. Most people tend to have a low to normal arch, while a high arch is also fairly rare. As we walk or stand for long periods, the arches in our feet collapse every time we take a new step. This unnatural action can lead to overdue stress on the arches of our feet, developing a condition called fallen arches. When the foot arch collapses and the ankle rolls inward, the condition is known as over-pronation. Although pronation is necessary to ensure proper walking and posture, however excessive pronation needs to be corrected. Pronation helps to absorb the impact of our feet hitting the ground while propelling of the feet in a forward direction.
Orthotic Insoles Can Help Relieve Over-Pronation
People with flat feet can suffer from heel pain, arch pain and bad posture. This situation can result in deformities and disturbances of the foot structure, which if not treated, can be permanent. Many leg pain and hip pain complaints actually originate from improper cushioning and support of the heels and the foot arch. Orthotic insoles are especially designed by podiatrists to provide appropriate foot arch support and heel support. Therefore, orthotics can help reduce pain and discomfort when used consistently.
Understanding the Effects of Over-Pronation
It is a proven fact that fallen arches can not only affect the walking patterns and gait in a person, but can also impact posture. This improper walking pattern causes a host of other foot problems and pains such as heel pain, heel spurs, and shin splints.
Many people seem to think that only those with flat feet suffer from over- pronation. However, the fact is that even people with a normal foot structure can develop excessive pronation because of excessive foot stress and improper arch support. The biomechanical imbalance while walking as well as standing, combined with the debilitating effects of old age, give rise to various foot problems.
Circumstances That Often Lead to Over-Pronation
Walking for extended periods over concrete or other hard surfaces, or participating in high-impact sports can cause you to develop excessive foot pronation. Obesity or weight gains during pregnancy can also trigger this condition.
To prevent conditions resulting from over-pronation such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or shin splints, it is recommended that you wear orthotic insoles in order to provide the proper arch support and heel support for your feet.