Posts Tagged ‘flat feet’
Foot Arch Pain
Flat Feet And Arch Pain
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Abid_Hussain]Abid Hussain
Flat Feet
Flat feet is a condition in which the foot doesn’t have a normal arch. It may affect one foot or both feet. Most people have a gap between in the inner side of the foot and the ground when they are standing. This is referred to as an "arch". Feet that have a low arch or no arch at all are referred to as flat feet or fallen arches. On standing the patient will have a flat arch and the foot may roll over to the inner aspect.
The symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition. Individuals may experience corns and hard skin under the sole of the foot. The arch area may be tender and shoes will tend to wear out quickly. In severe cases the patient may experience calf, knee, hip and back pain.
CAUSES OF FLAT FEET
It may be hereditary, i.e passed on through generations.
In most cases it is caused through a biomechanical complaint (abnormal walking) such as Fore Foot Varus. This is a con dition in which the subtaler joint in the foot over pronates (rolls in too much).
A ruptured tendon (tibilias posterior) can lead to a flat foot.
Cerebral palsy, spins bifida and muscular dystrophy can also lead to a flat foot condition.
TREATMENT OF FLAT FEET
Wear wide fitting shoes.
Do not try to treat the secondary lesions (i.e corns) yourself.
Purchase high quality insoles/ orthotics to take pressure and pain away from the arch.
TRADITIONAL TREAMEMT
Flat feet insoles have been used for years to help people with flat feet. Traditionally when we think of insoles or orthotics we think of a hard plastic insert that is placed in the shoe. It cups the heel and supports the arch but because it is not flexible it does not extend the full length of the foot. This tends to make this type of orthotic uncomfortable, and ineffective for many people.
It also repositions the arch using "brute force." Because it is not flexible it forces the arch into it’s correct position but does nothing to relieve the pressure that is forcing the arch to collapse, causing flat feet, in the first place. This type of hard plastic orthotic can actually cause increased pain in flat feet patients, which is the reason why we have recommended the Dr Foot Insoles for the treatment of flat feet. They provide a flexible yet incredibly supportive and stable treatment for flat feet.
For further information on flat feet and all types of foot pain visit http://www.drfoot.co.uk
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What tennis shoes provide the best or softest heel support?
I have had a horrible time with heel pain at times after playing tennis. I have found that it is alleviated substantially with softer heel supports when I.
Doctors Say Uggs Can Be Bad For Your Feet Due To Lack Of Support
In a statement, the company that makes the boots told us – "UGG Australia has been around for 30 years and has not received a complaint in regards to arch support or comfort.
Treating Flat Feet With Orthotic Insoles
Leg pain and hip pain complaints often originate from improper cushioning and support of the heels and the foot arch. Orthotic insoles are especially designed by podiatrists to provide appropriate foot arch support and heel support.
Finding Corrective Shoes That Fit
For the elderly, corrective footwear may include heel stabilizers, arch support, and easy shoe closure with minimal lacing. Children with foot difficulties may also benefit from using corrective footwear.
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Flat Foot Pain? Get Quick Relief
Need Relief From Flat Foot Pain?
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition that occurs when the arch in the foot collapses. The collapse of the arch causes the entire sole of the foot to come into complete contact, or almost in complete contact, with the floor. As a result, people with flat feet are unable to tread normally and are forced to alter their steps.
What causes flat feet?
- Genetics - In most cases, (approximately 20-30% of the population) flat feet is genetic and both feet are affected. Those born with naturally flat feet usually have a malformed joint, or two or more bones may have merged together that caused the feet to become stiff and flat.
- Injury that causes stiffness and distorts the foot joints such as a ruptured tendon
- Arthritis
- Illness - Diseases that affect the nervous system or muscles (I.E. spian bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) can cause flat feet because muscles become week and stiff, and can no longer function effectively together.
- Natural aging process
- Pregnancy - Sometimes pregnant women develop flat feet from the temporary changes caused by an increase in elastin in their body.
Usually, flat feet is a permanent condition.
What symptoms can occur from having flat feet? People with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing foot problems because they suffer from over-pronation. Over-pronation is when the feet roll excessively inward due to the stress overload placed on the ligaments and tendons of the ankle. This weakens the ankle and inside portion of the foot causing it to turn inward. Over-pronation can lead to painful symptoms including -
Bunions - A deformity of the big toe that occurs when the joint becomes misaligned and protrude outward.
Calluses - When the big toe loses flexibility, calluses usually occur under the sole of the foot near the second toe where stress is being placed.
Hammer toes - When the angle of the big toe increases inward, it begins to slide under the second toe. As a result, the metatarsal bone rises up and causes a hammer toe to form.
Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs - The Achilles tendon becomes shorter and pulls up on the heel of a person with flat feet, causing the arch to flatten and the foot to become longer. Thus, the plantar fascia (tight band of muscle under the foot arch) becomes abnormally stretched, which can lead to pain in the heel bone (plantar fasciitis) and heel spurs.
Low back pain - This usually occurs due to strain on the sciatic nerve. This nerve links the lower back to the foot via the leg. The strain is typically caused by repeated shock from running and over-pronation.
Finding relief from symptoms - There are different methods for treating flat feet, such as -
- Stretching exercises - Engage in exercises (2 - 3 times daily) that focus on the arch of your foot and Achilles’ tendons (IE. rolling your foot back and forth over a rolling pin or foot gymnastics). This will help increase flexibility and reduce the stress and pain felt by these areas.
- Lose weight - If you are overweight, losing weight helps to provide relief for your feet.
- Wear supportive shoes - Keep an eye on the stability of your footwear. Don’t wear shoes that are worn, tight, or tilt inwards. These shoes only increase your risk of injury and pain. Also, use orthotic insoles for your shoes to provide your foot with better support.
- See a professional - If you suffer from chronic discomfort or pain, seek the attention of a foot specialist such as a podiatrist or orthopedist. They can help provide you with proper shoes and orthotics that are custom made for your foot. They can also recommend exercises and even surgery if it is in the patient’s best interest.
By: Dave Wilson -
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