Investing In Arch Supports For Flat Feet Is A Worthwhile Endeavor

By Cornelia Reyes


An individual's spine and back are supported by a type of springboard that his or her foot arches were designed to create. When appropriate spine and back support are in place, it eliminates a variety of problems such as lower back and neck pain, and fatigue. It also helps one maintain good posture. For this reason, many individuals with the aforementioned problem purchase arch supports for flat feet.

Feet that are essentially flat are normal in toddlers and infants, as the development of the foot arch has not yet occurred. Rather, it is throughout childhood that the appropriate arches develop. However, in certain individuals, this condition does not correct itself as the person grows older. For this reason, orthopedic devices may be necessary.

Having flat feet may be a genetic disorder, or it may occur in adulthood due to environmental factors. When it occurs in adulthood, the disorder is commonly referred to as fallen arches. It can occur when one must spend an excessive amount of time in a standing position. Individuals who work as security guards, in the hospitality industry, or in other positions where long-term standing is required sometimes suffer from this condition.

There are several options when one requires the aforementioned support. These include inserts, which are devices that can be placed inside one's shoes. In addition, orthopedic shoes may be recommended for certain individuals, which feature an arch support that is built into the footwear.

Orthopedic shoes were designed to realign the spine to a normal position, and subsequently eliminate the person's discomfort or pain. Such footwear is frequently recommended for individuals who have no arches. Shoes of this type are manufactured in such a way that part of the bed of the sole of the shoe, as well as the instep, are raised. They can be ordered by an orthopedic specialist and custom-made according to his or her directions, or purchased in stores.

As previously mentioned, inserts are also an option. The latter are designed to enhance the support offered by conventional footwear. However, custom-made inserts are an alternative as well. No matter which option one pursues, whether custom-made devices or over-the-counter products, the objective is the same: to relieve tension and pressure from the individual's back and neck, and distribute it to the legs. This will not occur naturally if an individual has flat feet.

Many times, the absence of arches is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause for the disorder. It is wise to seek medical evaluation if one suspects that his or her arches have fallen. Those who have been afflicted with this condition from birth will likely benefit from orthopedic devices such as those mentioned above.

Individuals with bunions or painful bone spurs in the heel also typically find orthopedic devices beneficial. Heel spurs, as their name implies, develop when a sliver of the person's bone grows abnormally and juts out at an angle that is not natural, causing discomfort and pain. Arch supports for flat feet often decrease pressure in the area of the patient's heel, and therefore lessening the number of uncomfortable symptoms he or she experiences. Virtually any person who is faced with one or more of the foot disorders mentioned above should talk to a primary health care professional about using orthopedic footwear or arch supports.




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