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According to a study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, a amazing 73 percent of people asked said that they are suffering from foot pain. The question is: why has foot pain become one of the most common complaints in the doctor’s office? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the kind of footwear they use, the activities they engage in, or how their feet are structured. Usage of uncomfortable shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are mostly-affected by foot problems. Factors such as flat feet, overpronation, and bad cushioning can all be contributing factors to lower extremity pain. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how a person’s feet are formed. This can raise the risk of someone having pain issues with their feet.

Foot Biomechanics: How the Foot Works

Flat feet can cause abnormal rotation of the feet when walking or running. The foot is responsible for balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The areas of the foot that provide this balanced relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals. The arch provides the majority of the foot’s stability in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain can result from high arches or fallen arches, which can cause the foot to rotate abnormally. With high arches, the mass of the body is abnormally emphasized on the outside ridge of the foot (oversupination). On the other hand, overpronation happens with flat feet because the weight of the body is concentrated on the inside of the foot, forcing the feet to roll toward the inside .

Fallen Arches Can Lead to Serious Foot Problems
A quick way to see if flat feet or high arches are a problem is to go outside and stand on an area where a foot print can be made, such as on concrete. Dip one foot in cold water and then stamp your foot onto the dry surface. Then, lift the foot off the ground and see the mark that the foot leaves. A foot with over-pronation will leave a complete foot imprint where all of the skin of the foot has made contact with the ground. A high arch will leave just a sliver of the ball of the foot’s, outer portion, and the heel. Either of these arch dysfunctions can contribute to bony growths in the heel or plantar fasciitis therapy because the foot experiences repeated and excessive pressure on points that were not intended to have impact.

Get Relief for Treatment For Flat Feet With Orthotic Insoles

Those who have flat feet, heel spurs, or who need plantar fasciitis treatment can find relief for their pain if they use orthotics. They offer the needed support to remedy the weakened areas in the arch of the foot. They also offer cushioning in areas where repeated and excessive there is excess pressure on the foot in the heel and ball areas. Orthotics are available in an array of sizes and types and are made to meet the needs of athletes, high-heel wearers, and everyone in between.