A Guide To Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Vicki Diaz


While the majority of people with flat feet are not negatively affected by it, many experience aches, pains and other problems. It can be the cause of walking difficulties, and soreness anywhere in the legs, feet, and even back. Drugs can bring some relief from the pain, but the underlying condition remains, while surgery is obviously a very serious undertaking - and so, some use arch supports for flat feet.

A range of symptoms can be experienced by the flat-footed, and many different insoles and arch (or instep) supports can be bought in shops. Professional advice will help you to discover which insole or arch support, if any, will be suitable, making sure that money is not wasted and that your condition is not worsened by a poor choice. Medical doctors, physiotherapists and podiatrists will all be able to give advice, while orthotists actually make insoles, which are also called "orthotics".

The most common cause of the condition is that the foot "rolls over", so that the inside of the foot rolls downwards, creating the impression of flatness. This rotation occurs at the ankle, with the result that the bones are not well positioned for walking. It can result in painful wear and tear, and the effects can be felt all the way up the leg and also in the back. Arch supports help keep the instep from falling, stopping this potentially damaging rotation.

There are a number of different causes for flat feet - adults displaying the condition are typically prone to different causes from those that are applicable to children. Because of the variety of causes, advice should always be sought from an appropriate medical professional.

Pudgy little children's feet can appear flatter due to baby fat, but as the child gets older the instep will begin to appear. The best way to deal with related concerns about children is to make sure they are walking comfortably and without pain, and see a medical professional if in doubt.

Adult cases can arise in different ways, such as wear and tear through age, obesity, or overuse, causing the inside edge of the foot to fall towards the floor. Sometimes this can be due to the foot "rolling" inwards, or it can be due to the bones of the arch actually collapsing.

Whether flat-footed or otherwise, many people feel a benefit from using arch support insoles, which can help in various ways. Firstly, preserving the position of the foot by supporting the arch can stop the chain reaction of aches and pains that can occur through the foot, legs and back. Different preferences are catered for by a range of different products - stiffer insoles provide firmer support, while many prefer more cushioned insoles, which help maintain foot position more gently. People who have had a poor gait for a while are often in considerable pain, and will appreciate the extra cushioning.

As can be seen, arch supporting insoles are well worth looking into for those with painful feet. Along with appropriate medical advice, insoles are affordable, eliminate the need for drugs, and can help avoid a serious operation, while the benefits of the extra cushioning and support can often be felt straight away. For these reasons, arch supports for flat feet are often the best thing to try.




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