When the first step of the morning is accompanied by a sharp, stabbing sensation in the heel, plantar fasciitis may be to blame. It is one of the most common foot complaints, affecting one in ten people. Most prevalent during middle age, it also causes discomfort in younger individuals who spend hours on their feet. Shoe orthotics for plantar fasciitis helps relieve the pressure that is a primary cause of this condition.
Orthotics is a general term for describing shoe inserts designed to reduce pain and discomfort. They are commonly called arch supports, even though their purpose involves more than simply raising that portion of the foot. They are intended to create a more natural way of moving that not only soothes existing problems, but also helps prevent them from occurring by altering the way feet move during activity.
Because other conditions can have the same symptoms, self-diagnosis of the issue may miss more serious problems. When the pain becomes severe, is long-term, or makes normal movement difficult, an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is highly recommended. Although the discomfort may be minimal in many cases, complete recovery can take longer than a year. The most common solution is rest.
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot are also helpful, but may not be useful in every situation. Poorly fitting shoes are the number-one cause of pain. Even though they might be considered less than stylish, footwear with comparatively cushioned, thick soles constructed from impact-absorbing, dense materials is best during activity. People with flat feet due to low arches may require greater support.
While the arch rarely actually collapses, it can be a real source of trouble. Individuals with flat feet from birth cannot withstand repeated impacts as easily as those who have a more ideally shaped structure. Support is often added by wrapping the feet with tape, ordering specially designed footwear, or simply inserting a foam pad. These solutions, while simple, offer greater relief than many daily medications.
Relatively inexpensive over-the-counter supports are not a panacea, but can be helpful. Their benefits vary according to the materials used in manufacture, and some provide longer-lasting relief than others. The supporting material should be dense enough not to completely flatten, while still providing additional support during activity. They are especially helpful for growing adolescents.
For many adults the most successful solution is custom orthotics. An imprint is taken that clearly shows potential problem areas, allowing creation of an insert that reduces risk factors for heel pain. Most are more rigid than commercial varieties, and stress longitudinal support over the length of the foot. In some cases specific heel cups may also provide longer-term relief.
Although the cost of creating customized orthotics is significant and not covered by all insurance plans, finding lasting relief may be worth the extra expense. When feet hurt, all aspects of life become more difficult. If rest, taping, strengthening exercises and standard shoe inserts are not effective, inserts that are measured and fitted by a doctor may provide a better solution.
Orthotics is a general term for describing shoe inserts designed to reduce pain and discomfort. They are commonly called arch supports, even though their purpose involves more than simply raising that portion of the foot. They are intended to create a more natural way of moving that not only soothes existing problems, but also helps prevent them from occurring by altering the way feet move during activity.
Because other conditions can have the same symptoms, self-diagnosis of the issue may miss more serious problems. When the pain becomes severe, is long-term, or makes normal movement difficult, an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist is highly recommended. Although the discomfort may be minimal in many cases, complete recovery can take longer than a year. The most common solution is rest.
Exercises to stretch and strengthen the foot are also helpful, but may not be useful in every situation. Poorly fitting shoes are the number-one cause of pain. Even though they might be considered less than stylish, footwear with comparatively cushioned, thick soles constructed from impact-absorbing, dense materials is best during activity. People with flat feet due to low arches may require greater support.
While the arch rarely actually collapses, it can be a real source of trouble. Individuals with flat feet from birth cannot withstand repeated impacts as easily as those who have a more ideally shaped structure. Support is often added by wrapping the feet with tape, ordering specially designed footwear, or simply inserting a foam pad. These solutions, while simple, offer greater relief than many daily medications.
Relatively inexpensive over-the-counter supports are not a panacea, but can be helpful. Their benefits vary according to the materials used in manufacture, and some provide longer-lasting relief than others. The supporting material should be dense enough not to completely flatten, while still providing additional support during activity. They are especially helpful for growing adolescents.
For many adults the most successful solution is custom orthotics. An imprint is taken that clearly shows potential problem areas, allowing creation of an insert that reduces risk factors for heel pain. Most are more rigid than commercial varieties, and stress longitudinal support over the length of the foot. In some cases specific heel cups may also provide longer-term relief.
Although the cost of creating customized orthotics is significant and not covered by all insurance plans, finding lasting relief may be worth the extra expense. When feet hurt, all aspects of life become more difficult. If rest, taping, strengthening exercises and standard shoe inserts are not effective, inserts that are measured and fitted by a doctor may provide a better solution.
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