A surprising number of people experience chronic foot problems. Swelling and pain makes it difficult to walk or run. A large percentage of people suffering from such problems are simply wearing the wrong type of shoes, with high heels being the number one culprit. Another common problem seen by podiatrists is fallen arches. This means that the patient does not have an instep. Insoles for flat feet can help to ease the discomfort experienced by these patients.
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.
There is nothing that can be done to treat this condition. At best podiatrist can help patients to avoid circumstances where the fallen arches will cause pain or discomfort. Most sufferers find relief from wearing special soles inside their shoes. These inserts support the arches. They are freely available over the counter but in special cases they can even be custom made.
Although there is no cure for the conditions, sufferers can do much to help lessen the severity of the symptoms. Podiatrists advise the patients to walk barefoot as often as possible, preferably in sand. This will strengthen the ligaments in the foot. It is also helpful to try and run on the toes for as long as possible and to stretch the toes as wide as is possible.
There have been rare cases where surgery has been tried but even highly experienced surgeons will only attempt it as a last resort. Reputable podiatrists shun this procedure and say that it is both too risky and dangerous. After making an incision on the side of the foot a plastic insert is put in the bones of the ankle. However, if this fails the patient will experience lifelong pain and discomfort.
There are many reasons why the arches drop. Some people are born that way and the arches simply never develop. Many older people develop the condition because the tendons along the ankles weakened. The cause can also be physical injuries that cause the tendons to become inflamed. Obese people and those suffering from arthritis are very likely to develop dropped arches.
Unless somebody has suffered from dropped arches since birth, steps can be taken to prevent it from happening later on in life. One of the most important steps is to maintain a healthy weight. It is also vital to wear shoes that fit properly. Those participating in sport should wear the shoes that have been designed for that sport. Women should limit the number of times they wear high heels.
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.
There is nothing that can be done to treat this condition. At best podiatrist can help patients to avoid circumstances where the fallen arches will cause pain or discomfort. Most sufferers find relief from wearing special soles inside their shoes. These inserts support the arches. They are freely available over the counter but in special cases they can even be custom made.
Although there is no cure for the conditions, sufferers can do much to help lessen the severity of the symptoms. Podiatrists advise the patients to walk barefoot as often as possible, preferably in sand. This will strengthen the ligaments in the foot. It is also helpful to try and run on the toes for as long as possible and to stretch the toes as wide as is possible.
There have been rare cases where surgery has been tried but even highly experienced surgeons will only attempt it as a last resort. Reputable podiatrists shun this procedure and say that it is both too risky and dangerous. After making an incision on the side of the foot a plastic insert is put in the bones of the ankle. However, if this fails the patient will experience lifelong pain and discomfort.
There are many reasons why the arches drop. Some people are born that way and the arches simply never develop. Many older people develop the condition because the tendons along the ankles weakened. The cause can also be physical injuries that cause the tendons to become inflamed. Obese people and those suffering from arthritis are very likely to develop dropped arches.
Unless somebody has suffered from dropped arches since birth, steps can be taken to prevent it from happening later on in life. One of the most important steps is to maintain a healthy weight. It is also vital to wear shoes that fit properly. Those participating in sport should wear the shoes that have been designed for that sport. Women should limit the number of times they wear high heels.
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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