A poll conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association revealed that a amazing 73 percent of those surveyed reported that they are suffering from painful feet. The question is: why has foot pain become one of the most common complaints in the examination room? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the types of shoes they wear, what activities they participate in, or the way their feet are formed. Usage of uncomfortable shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. People who engage in athletic activites are another segment of the population that are mostly-affected by painful foot conditions. Factors such as flat feet, overpronation, and bad cushioning can all be contributing factors to lower extremity pain. Mom and dad can also be the cause of foot-related problems, because genetics play a role how a person’s feet are formed. This can enhance the likelihood that someone will suffer from an array of painful foot conditions.

Foot Biomechanics: The Evils of Over-pronation and Over-supination

Fallen arches can cause an inward rolling of the feet which can make activities painful. The foot is responsible for balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The areas of the foot that provide this balanced relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals. The arch gives stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. This harmony can be disrupted by raised arches or abnormally-low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate abnormally. In high arches, the weight of the body is abnormally emphasized on the outside perimeter of the foot (oversupination). However, overpronation occurs with flat feet because the weight of the body is concentrated on the inside of the foot, forcing the feet to roll toward the inside .

Serious Foot Issues Occur with Over-pronation
A quick way to see if flat feet or high arches are a problem is to go to a place where a foot impression can be made, such as on concrete. Immerse on foot in some water and then step onto a dry surface. Then, pick the foot up and look at the mark that the foot leaves. A flat foot with overpronation will leave a complete mark where the entire foot has touched the ground. A high arch will leave just a portion of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and heel of the foot. Either of these arch malformations can cause heel spurs or plantar fasciitis treatment because the foot experiences too much pressure on points that were not intended to have impact.

Get Relief for Flat Feet Treatment With Orthotic Insoles

Those who have flat feet, heel spurs, or who need treatment for plantar fasciitis can experience the pain eliminated with the use of orthotic insoles. They offer the needed support to remedy the weak structures in the foot, such as those that make up the arch. They also offer cushioning in areas where too much pressure occurs, such as in the heel or ball of the foot. Orthotics are available in many sizes and types and are made to meet the needs of athletes, high-heel wearers, and everyone in between.

Fred Salomon is a foot care specialist who specializes in the design of orthotic insoles for healing common foot problems such as flat feet. The use of appropriate orthotic shoe inserts plays a vital role in preventing many of these common foot health problems.