According to a study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, a staggering 73% of people polled revealed that they are suffering from foot pain. Why have foot ailments and pain become so commonplace in the doctor’s office? Most patients have issues with their feet because of: the types of shoes they wear, the activities they engage in, or the way their feet are formed. The use of ill-fitting shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. People who engage in athletic activites 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 insufficient cushioning can all play a role in painful feet, ankles, and knees. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how a person’s feet are formed. This can raise the chance of developing painful foot conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciits.

The Mechanics of the Foot

Flat feet can cause abnormal rotation of the feet when walking or running. The foot is in charge of bearing the weight of the body and providing balance and stability. The parts of the foot that provide this balanced relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals. The arch gives the majority of the foot’s stability in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This harmony can be disrupted 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 , a condition known as over-supination. However, over-pronation occurs with fallen 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 fallen arches or high arches are an issue is to find a good area where a foot impression can be made, such as on cement. Dip one foot in cool water and then stamp your foot onto the dry surface. Then, lift the foot off the ground and see the mark that remains. A flat foot with overpronation will leave a full foot imprint where all of the skin of the foot has made contact with the ground. A high arch will leave just a portion of the ball of the foot’s, outer portion, and the heel. Either of these arch malformations can cause bony growths in the heel or flat feet treatment because the foot has to deal with constant pressure where it isn’t supposed to.

Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis

People suffering from fallen arches, heel spurs, or who need plantar fasciitis treatment can get relief by using orthotics in their shoes. They give the needed support to stabilize the weakened areas in the arch of the foot. They also give cushioning in areas where constant pressure in the ball of the foot and heel. Orthotics are available in several sizes and styles and are made to keep up with anyone’s activity level.