How Insoles For Flat Feet Can Help Ease The Symptoms

By Rosella Campbell


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.

The fact that the condition cannot be cured does not mean that there is nothing sufferers can do to lessen the adverse effects of the symptoms. Podiatrists advise that patients should try and walk barefoot whenever they can. It is also recommended to run on the toes and to perform stretch exercises such as stretching the toes as wide as possible. All these exercises help to strengthen the ligaments and tendons in the foot.

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.

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.

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.

Dropped arches can cause discomfort and pain. However, sufferers can do much to relieve the effects of the symptoms. Exercise helps and simple precautions such as refraining to stand for long periods are also effective. Special shoe inserts that support the arch have been in use for decades. There is no risk involved in wearing them and they have proven to be extremely effective.




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