Foot problems are common and many people suffer from chronic pain and discomfort. Most patients that seek help from podiatrists are women and these experts agree that the most common cause for these problems are the wearing of high heels or the wrong type of shoe. Fallen arches are also common. People suffering from this problem have very low or no arches at all. By wearing insoles for flat feet the discomfort can often be negated.
People with fallen arches experience a range of symptoms. In extreme cases they may experience constant pain. They also find it difficult to stand on their toes and if they are forced to stand up for long periods they can also experience swelling of the ankles and acute lower back pain. Their shoes wear down unevenly and often collapse toward the inside of the foot.
The bad news is that this condition cannot be cured, not even by means of surgery. Podiatrists commonly advise that sufferers wear special inserts in their shoes. These inserts are specially designed to support the arches. Most patients find that these devices relieve most of the symptoms. In special cases, for example where the shape of the foot is awkward, custom made soles can be ordered.
Even if the condition cannot be cured a lot can be done to lessen the pain and discomfort. Sufferers are encouraged to perform a variety of exercises that are all designed to strengthen the ligaments and muscles of the foot. This includes running on the toes as long as possible and stretching the toes apart from each other in several repetitions. Sufferers are also advised to walk barefoot as often as possible.
Some surgeons have tried controversial surgery to restore the arches. During this procedure an incision is made along the side of the foot and an insert is placed in the ankle bones. This restores the arch. Many eminent podiatrists have warned against such surgery, however. There is a good chance that the procedure will fail, leaving the patient in excruciating pain.
Arches can drop for a variety of reasons. All babies are born without arches, which develop later on, but in some cases they simply do not develop at all. Older people often develop dropped arches if the tendons in the ankle become weak. If the tendons become inflamed due to a physical foot or ankle injury the arches can also drop. Many obese people develop this condition.
There are a number of things people can do to prevent the arches from dropping. When exercising, it is very important to wear the correct shoes and to choose shoes that will distribute the weight. High heels one of the biggest causes and women should wear them for short periods only, if at all. Another important precaution is to lose weight.
Inserts that support the arches is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways in which to relieve the pain and discomfort common to those with dropped arches. They should even be worn by those with healthy foot arches as a preventive measure. Exercise also helps and it is vital to wear shoes that fit properly.
People with fallen arches experience a range of symptoms. In extreme cases they may experience constant pain. They also find it difficult to stand on their toes and if they are forced to stand up for long periods they can also experience swelling of the ankles and acute lower back pain. Their shoes wear down unevenly and often collapse toward the inside of the foot.
The bad news is that this condition cannot be cured, not even by means of surgery. Podiatrists commonly advise that sufferers wear special inserts in their shoes. These inserts are specially designed to support the arches. Most patients find that these devices relieve most of the symptoms. In special cases, for example where the shape of the foot is awkward, custom made soles can be ordered.
Even if the condition cannot be cured a lot can be done to lessen the pain and discomfort. Sufferers are encouraged to perform a variety of exercises that are all designed to strengthen the ligaments and muscles of the foot. This includes running on the toes as long as possible and stretching the toes apart from each other in several repetitions. Sufferers are also advised to walk barefoot as often as possible.
Some surgeons have tried controversial surgery to restore the arches. During this procedure an incision is made along the side of the foot and an insert is placed in the ankle bones. This restores the arch. Many eminent podiatrists have warned against such surgery, however. There is a good chance that the procedure will fail, leaving the patient in excruciating pain.
Arches can drop for a variety of reasons. All babies are born without arches, which develop later on, but in some cases they simply do not develop at all. Older people often develop dropped arches if the tendons in the ankle become weak. If the tendons become inflamed due to a physical foot or ankle injury the arches can also drop. Many obese people develop this condition.
There are a number of things people can do to prevent the arches from dropping. When exercising, it is very important to wear the correct shoes and to choose shoes that will distribute the weight. High heels one of the biggest causes and women should wear them for short periods only, if at all. Another important precaution is to lose weight.
Inserts that support the arches is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways in which to relieve the pain and discomfort common to those with dropped arches. They should even be worn by those with healthy foot arches as a preventive measure. Exercise also helps and it is vital to wear shoes that fit properly.
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