The results of a recent study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association concluded that a staggering 73 percent of those surveyed reported that they are suffering from foot pain. Why have foot ailments and pain become so commonplace in the doctor’s office? Most patients have issues with their feet because of: the kinds of shoes they wear, what activities they participate in, or how their feet are formed. Using ill-fitting shoes can greatly exacerbate existing foot issues. People who engage in athletic activites are another segment of the population that are often afflicted by foot problems. Factors such as bad support can all be contributing factors to lower extremity pain. Genetics can contribute to foot-related issues because they dictate how normally a foot is formed. This can enhance the chance of developing painful foot conditions such as bunions, heel spurs, and plantar fasciits.

The Mechanics of the Foot

Fallen arches can cause abnormal rotation of the feet when walking or running. The foot handles balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. The portions of the foot that help to keep the foot in harmony with the body include the arch, heel, tarsals and meta-tarsals staggering. The arch offers stability by the following structures: the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain can result from tall arches or low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate abnormally. In high arches, the body’s weight is abnormally emphasized on the outside edge of the foot (oversupination). However, over-pronation happens with flat feet because the inside of the foot takes the brunt of the body’s weight, causing the ankles to roll inward .

Serious Foot Issues Occur with Flat Feet
A quick test to see if flat feet or high arches are an issue is to go to a place where a foot print can be made, such as on cement. Immerse on foot in cold water and then step onto a dry surface. Then, remove the foot off the ground and see the impression that the foot leaves. A foot with overpronation will leave a complete mark where the entire foot has touched the ground. A high arch will leave just a sliver of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and the heel. Either of these arch dysfunctions can contribute to spurs of bone in the heel or plantar fasciitis therapy because the foot takes constant pressure in places it is not intended to handle.

Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Plantar Fascitis Treatment

Those who have flat feet, heel spurs, or who need plantar fasciitis treatment can find relief by using orthotics in their shoes. They provide the needed support to fix the areas in the arch that have been weakened. They also provide cushioning in areas where constant pressure occurs, such as in the heel or ball of the foot. Orthotics are available in an array of sizes and types and are designed to keep up with anyone’s activity level.