Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Janelle Burnett


If the whole sole of one's foot touches the floor when he stands, it is likely the individual has flatfeet. In many cases this common condition does not result in pain. However, there are some individuals who experience a lot of pain due to this condition. With arch supports for flat feet the individual may find relief.

At birth, everyone has flatfeet. As children grow the arches normally begin to develop, but in some individuals they never develop. In other cases, the person may suffer injuries or wear and tear on the foot can cause failure of the tendon.

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.

Several risk factors exist in developing fallen arches. Individuals who suffer from obesity, trauma to the foot or ankle and the process of aging all affect the individual. Additionally, the stress caused by high heels on the tendon can also make the problem even worse.

Many people find that choosing better shoes helps. Many athletic shoes offer the types of support needed. If other shoes are selected inserts can be placed in the bottom of the shoe to provide better support to the sole of the foot. Such inserts can help to prevent even more damage to one's foot.

Some individuals also suffer from a shortened Achilles tendon along with this condition. Use of gentle stretching exercises may bring relief. As the tendon is stretched some or all of the pain may be eliminated, especially when the person chooses a supportive shoe or insert to help provide relief.

When one's job requires him to stand all day long, he may be more affected by this condition. Body mass presses on the foot causing additional wear to the tendon. When individuals are overweight, there is additional pressure that multiplies the problem the individual is experiencing.

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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