A poll conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association revealed that a surprising 73% of those surveyed reported that they are living with foot pain. Why have foot ailments and pain become so commonplace in the examination room? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the kinds of shoes they wear, the activities they engage in, or how their feet are structured. The use of uncomfortable shoes can make existing problems even worse. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are highly-affected individuals who experience painful feet. Factors such as Flat Feet, OverpronationExcess Pronation, Flat Feet, and poor support can all be reasons for pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how a person’s feet are formed. This can increase the chance that someone will suffer from an array of painful foot conditions.
Foot Biomechanics: The Evils of Overpronation and Over-supination
It is clear that overpronation can cause an inward rolling of the feet which can make activities painful. The foot handles balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The parts of the foot that provide this harmonious relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals. The arch provides stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This harmony can be disrupted by tall arches or low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate oddly. With high arches, the mass of the body is strangely emphasized on the far perimeter of the foot , a condition known as over-supination. Conversely, over-pronation happens with Low Arches because the body’s weight is unevenly distributed toward the inside of the foot, causing the ankles to roll inward .
Overpronation Can Lead to Serious Foot Problems
A quick way to see if low arches or high arches are a problem is to go to a place where a foot print can be made, such as on cement. Sink one of the feet in cool water and then stand normally for a few seconds. Then, pick the foot up and look at the mark that is left by the foot. A flat foot with overpronation will leave a complete print showing the entire surface area of the bottom of the foot. A high arch will leave just a portion of the ball of the foot’s, outer portion, and the foot’s heel. Either of these arch dysfunctions can contribute to bony growths in the heel or create the need fortherapy for plantar fasciitis because the foot has to deal with constant pressure where it isn’t supposed to.
Orthotics Provide Immediate Relief for Plantar Fasciitis TreatmentGet Immediate Relief for Plantar Fasciitis TreatmentOrthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Persons with pain caused by Flat Feet, heel spurs, or who need treatment for plantar fasciitis can experience relief for their pain if they use orthotics. They provide the needed support to fix the weakened areas in the arch of the foot. They also offer cushioning in areas where too much 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 constructed to meet the needs of athletes, high-heel wearers, and everyone in between.