Considering Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Vicki Diaz


Many people with flat feet experience no problems because of it, although in some cases pain and discomfort can result. Some flat-footed people find that it affects the way they walk, causing pain in various parts of the feet, legs and back. As painkillers merely mask the problem, and surgery is a rather drastic and intrusive solution, many people are led to consider insoles or other arch supports for flat feet.

Many different problems are common among the flat-footed, and while many insoles and arch (or instep) supports are available over the counter, advice from a qualified professional will help avoid wasting money on equipment that could make your condition worse. Some relevant professionals are of course, medical doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and orthotists (orthotists being the ones who make insoles and the like, which are 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.

The term "flat feet" can actually describe a number of different circumstances, which further emphasizes the need for a professional opinion. For example, the appearance of the problem in the young, as opposed to in adults, can be for quite different reasons, while in both adults or the young there can be various underlying causes.

In the very young, baby fat obscuring the instep of the foot can make it look flatter, which is not actually a problem, or harmful. As the child gets older and the fat fades away, the expected structure and shape usually becomes visible. To allow for this tendency in the young, simply being observant of how the child walks, and looking for signs of difficulties, is usually the best way to proceed.

Adults can experience problems with the bones in the feet falling, as well as the previously described "rolling over" motion, at the ankle. Wear and tear due to age, as well as obesity or just overuse, can contribute to these causes.

Many people who suffer from general foot pain can benefit from arch support insoles, which can help in a number of ways. By supporting the instep and keeping the foot in the correct position, the fatiguing aches all through the foot, legs and back can be alleviated. A number of designs are available - some are made of stiff material, which will help keep the foot in position even under the stress of body weight, while those made out of softer material provide a more gentle correction of foot position. Often the cushioning provides great relief as the foot has been used improperly for some time and can be in considerable pain.

It can be seen that insoles represent a low cost solution for symptoms associated with a range of foot problems. With appropriate medical advice, many people experience instant relief by using an insole, which removes the need to have an operation or take pills to relieve pain, making arch supports for flat feet the ideal solution to try first.




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