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".
What usually happens as a result of this condition is that as the inside edge of each foot falls toward the floor, effectively "flattening" the instep, the ankles bend in the way. The joints through the heel are no longer correctly aligned, which can cause damage and pain through the whole leg and hips, and even the back. An arch support can physically halt this "rolling inwards", maintaining the correct, neutral position.
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.
In the very young, "baby fat" can effectively fill the instep, creating a flatter overall appearance. As the child grows, the correct shape and structure will usually be revealed. If children appear to walk with discomfort or pain, alongside the tell-tale signs of flatness, this could be the indication of a problem.
In adults, often a foot can appear to flatten due to the stresses of aging, including putting a lot of stress on the feet, being overweight, or even just normal wear. While many cases involve the foot rolling inwards, in some cases the bones themselves will start to collapse, which is more serious.
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.
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".
What usually happens as a result of this condition is that as the inside edge of each foot falls toward the floor, effectively "flattening" the instep, the ankles bend in the way. The joints through the heel are no longer correctly aligned, which can cause damage and pain through the whole leg and hips, and even the back. An arch support can physically halt this "rolling inwards", maintaining the correct, neutral position.
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.
In the very young, "baby fat" can effectively fill the instep, creating a flatter overall appearance. As the child grows, the correct shape and structure will usually be revealed. If children appear to walk with discomfort or pain, alongside the tell-tale signs of flatness, this could be the indication of a problem.
In adults, often a foot can appear to flatten due to the stresses of aging, including putting a lot of stress on the feet, being overweight, or even just normal wear. While many cases involve the foot rolling inwards, in some cases the bones themselves will start to collapse, which is more serious.
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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