Arch Supports For Flat Feet Bring Pain Relief

By Janelle Burnett


If the entire sole of the foot touches the floor when standing, it is likely you have flatfeet. This condition is common and may not cause any pain in many cases. In other situations, the condition can create a great deal of pain. Use of arch supports for flat feet may help to remedy any associated pain from the condition.

Babies are always born with flatfeet. As they grow, the tendon causes a curve in the bottom of the foot. However, in some individuals, this tendon grows at the same rate as the bones, so the curve never develops. Wear and tear or injuries can cause the arches that develop to fall.

In some cases, flatfeet contribute to knee and ankle problems. Tissue may swell inside the ankle. Walking or standing for an extended period may be painful. The condition affects the alignment of one's leg. However, in most cases there is no pain and no treatment is required for the condition.

If a person's arches are causing pain, he or she might want to talk with a doctor. In infants and toddlers, the arches have not yet developed, making flatfeet common. In some people it never develops and may or may not lead to problems. In addition, years or wear and tear may weaken the tendons allowing the arches to fall. The doctor may use imaging tests to determine the exact cause of the problem.

There are several factors that increase one's risk of developing problems. These include obesity, trauma that leads to injury of one's foot or ankle and aging. In addition, many women put additional stress on the tendon by wearing high heels that do not offer any support.

When affected by this condition, it is important to select supportive shoes. The shoes should be tied tightly to ensure proper support. If a person chooses to wear shoes that do not provide support, it is a good idea to use inserts that can help to support the arches in order to prevent pain or further damage to the foot.

Sometimes a shortened Achilles tendon accompanies the condition. In these cases, the individual can benefit from gentle stretching exercises. These exercises help to stretch the tendon and may be useful in eliminating some or all of the pain, especially when used with a supportive shoe.

Those who must stand for long periods during the day are often more affected by the condition. Body mass may press on the foot to cause more wear of the tendon. When the individual is overweight, more pressure is placed on the arches multiplying the pain and suffering.

While anti-fatigue mats may relieve some of the strain of standing for long periods, they do not provide support specifically for the arches. These tendons must still support the body weight. They continue to be stressed on a daily basis without proper support.

Arch supports for flat feet are often all that is needed to bring relief of a person's pain. The support provided can prevent further damage to the tendon and allow healing. It may also help to reduce the strain caused by shoes that do not provide this help.




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