Why You Need Orthotics if you Suffer from Flat Feet or Over-pronation

The results of a recent study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association concluded that a surprising 73% of people polled revealed that they are dealing with foot pain. The question is: why has foot pain become one of the most common complaints in the doctor’s office? Most patients have issues with their feet because of: the kind of footwear they use, what activities they participate in, or the way their feet are formed. The use of poorly-fitting shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are often afflicted by foot pain. Factors such as {fallen arches, over-pronation|over-pronation, fallen arches, and poor protection can all play a role in painful feet, ankles, and knees. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how normally a foot is formed. This can raise the likelihood of someone having pain issues with their feet.

Foot Biomechanics: How the Foot Works

Fallen arches can cause an inward rolling of the feet which can make activities painful. The foot handles stabilizing and balancing the body while bearing its weight. The areas of the foot that help to keep the foot in harmony with the body include the arch, heel, tarsals and meta-tarsals staggering. The arch gives stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This delicate balance can be interrupted by high arches or fallen arches, which can cause the foot to rotate unusually. With high arches, the mass of the body is unusually emphasized on the far ridge of the foot (oversupination). On the other hand, over-pronation happens with fallen arches because the inside of the foot takes the brunt of the body’s weight, causing the ankles to roll inward .

Serious Foot Issues Occur with Over-pronation
A quick test to see if fallen arches or high arches are an issue is to go to a place where a foot impression can be made, such as on concrete. Immerse on foot in some water and then step onto a dry surface. Then, lift the foot off the ground and see the mark that remains. A flat foot with overpronation will leave a full print showing the entire surface area of the bottom of the foot. A high arch will leave just a part of the ball of the foot’s, outer portion, and heel of the foot. Either of these arch malformations can cause spurs of bone in the heel or treatment for plantar fasciitis because the foot takes repeated and excessive pressure where it isn’t supposed to.

Orthotics Provide Effective Relief for Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis

People suffering from fallen arches, heel spurs, or who need treatment for plantar fascitis can experience relief for their pain if they use orthotics. They provide the needed support to remedy the weakened areas in the arch of the foot. They also provide cushioning in areas where repeated and excessive pressure in the ball of the foot and heel. Orthotics are available in an array of sizes and types and are designed to meet everyone’s needs no matter what their activity level.