| A poll conducted by the American Podiatric Medical | | | | arches, which can cause the foot to rotate strangely. |
| Association revealed that a amazing 73% of people | | | | With high arches, the weight of the body is strangely |
| asked said that they are living with foot pain. Why | | | | emphasized on the outer ridge of the foot , a |
| are more patients complaining of foot pain in the | | | | condition known as over-supination. On the other |
| examination room? For many people, this problem | | | | hand, overpronation takes place with low arches |
| can be caused by one of the following: the kind of | | | | because the weight of the body is concentrated on |
| footwear they use, what activities they participate in, | | | | the inside of the foot, forcing the feet to roll toward |
| or how their feet are formed. The results of a | | | | the inside . |
| recent study conducted by the American Podiatric | | | | Serious Foot Issues Occur with Overpronation |
| Medical Association concluded that a surprising 73% | | | | A quick way to see if low arches or high arches are |
| of those surveyed reported that they are dealing | | | | an issue is to go to a place where a foot impression |
| with painful foot conditions. Why have foot ailments | | | | can be made, such as on cement. Dip one foot in |
| and pain become so commonplace in the | | | | cold water and then step onto a dry surface. Then, |
| doctor’s office? For many people, this | | | | pick the foot up and look at the print that the foot |
| problem can be caused by one of the following: the | | | | leaves. A foot with overpronation will leave a full foot |
| types of shoes they wear, the activities they engage | | | | imprint where all of the skin of the foot has made |
| in, or how their feet are formed. The use of ill-fitting | | | | contact with the ground. A high arch will leave just a |
| shoes can turn minor problems into major ones. | | | | portion of the ball of the foot’s, outside |
| People who engage in athletic activites are another | | | | portion, and the heel. Either of these arch |
| segment of the population that are often affected | | | | malformations can cause bony growths in the heel or |
| by painful foot conditions. Factors such as poor | | | | treatment for plantar fascitis because the foot has |
| support can all be reasons for pain in the feet, ankles, | | | | to deal with repeated and excessive pressure in |
| knees, and lower back. Genetics can contribute to | | | | places it is not intended to handle. |
| foot-related issues because they dictate how the | | | | Orthotics Give Much-Needed Relief for Treatment |
| foot was formed in the womb. This can increase the | | | | For Flat Feet |
| risk that someone will suffer from an array of painful | | | | Persons with pain caused by low arches, heel spurs, |
| foot conditions. | | | | or who need treatment for plantar fascitis can |
| Foot Biomechanics: How the Foot Works | | | | experience relief for their pain if they use orthotics. |
| Low arches can cause an inward rolling of the feet | | | | They provide the needed support to remedy the |
| which can make activities painful. The foot handles | | | | areas in the arch that have been weakened. They |
| balance, stability, and bears the weight of the body. | | | | also provide cushioning in areas where repeated and |
| The areas of the foot that provide this balanced | | | | excessive there is excess pressure on the foot in |
| relationship with the body are the heel, arch, tarsals | | | | the heel and ball areas. Orthotics are available in |
| and metatarsals. The arch gives tremendous strength | | | | several sizes and styles and are made to meet |
| and flexibility so the foot remains stable. This | | | | everyone’s needs no matter what their |
| harmony can be disrupted by high arches or fallen | | | | activity level. |