Why You May Need Arch Support Inserts For Flat Feet

By Deanne Shepard


Many people may have heard of people saying that they are flat footed. However, not everyone understands what that term means. When a person is afflicted with this condition, it is best taken care of by wearing arch support inserts for flat feet. These inserts can make this condition more bearable.

If the arch of the foot has fallen, this is known as being flat footed. The arch is needed to support other areas of the foot, back and legs. The type of shoes a person chooses, such as high heels and sandals that lack support, can increase the probablity that a person will experience this problem. One foot might suffer this affliction more than the other. Once the arch has dissapated, it will not return.

People who carry excess body weight are often affected by problems with their arches. Younger people are not as greatly bothered by this issue as older people. However, as they get older it may very well become a greater issue.

This affliction does not usually affect the ability to use the feet, whether walking or running. However, a person can experience pain in other areas of the feet and body, such as their back and legs. This is caused by the other areas trying to make up for the job that the foot is not doing. There may be balance issues in the body as the feet are not in the correct alignment.

Arch supports allow the foot to better disperse the weight of the body. This helps the foot to step correctly, which in turn decreases the stress and pain on all parts of the body.

There are several options for obtaining arch supports for your shoes. Locally, you may be able to get them as a department or drug store. There are even websites online that offer these products. However, it is suggested that since no two people have the same shoe size and same step, this type of product would be best if it were specially made for each person. One option is to make an appointment to be measured by a podiatrist. It is recommended that the shoes you wear most often are taken along to the appointment with you.

While it is likely that any tennis shoe you buy will have an insole, it is not equal to having an arch support. The insoles that come with the shoes are for shock absorbing and comfort. However, when the person wearing the shoes requires extra foundation, these insoles are not going to deliver. While the support of new shoes is there in the beginning, it soon dissipates. In order to keep the support needed, you will need special inserts.

Because we are walking on surfaces that are flat on a daily basis, flat arches are not a unique problem. This, coupled with aging and excessive body weight makes this a very common issue. By having supports made especially for your feet, you can help decrease the stress that is being put on your back and legs which, in turn, will help to decrease your pain. It is vital to remember that new shoes may feel great at first, they will soon wear down and not offer you much in the way of support after some time.




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