How Your Knee and Lower Back Pain Might Be Caused by Flat Feet
According to a study conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, a amazing 73% of people polled revealed that they are dealing with foot pain. Why are more patients complaining of foot pain in the doctor’s office? For many people, this problem can be caused by one of the following: the kinds of shoes they wear, what activities they participate in, or the way their feet are formed. The use of uncomfortable shoes can make existing problems even worse. Physically active people are another segment of the population that are often affected by foot problems. Factors such as bad protection can all be reasons for pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back. Mom and dad can also be the cause of foot-related problems, because genetics play a role how the foot was formed in the womb. This can raise the chance that someone will suffer from an array of painful foot conditions.

Foot Biomechanics: The Evils of Overpronation and Over-supination

Flat feet can cause can make running or walking painful because the foot rotates inward. The foot is responsible for stabilizing and balancing the body while bearing its weight. The areas of the foot that help keep this balance are the heel, arch, tarsals and metatarsals provide the body with what it needs to perform optimally. The arch offers the majority of the foot’s stability in the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain can result from tall arches or low arches, which can cause the foot to rotate strangely. With high arches, the body’s weight is strangely emphasized on the outer perimeter of the foot , a condition known as over-supination. However, foot overpronation takes place with flat feet because the weight of the body is concentrated on the inside of the foot, causing the ankles to roll inward .

Serious Foot Issues Occur with Flat Feet
A quick way to see if flat feet or high arches are a problem is to go outside and stand on an area where a foot print can be made, such as on cement. Immerse on foot in some water and then stand normally for a few seconds. Then, remove the foot off the ground and see the mark that remains. A foot with foot overpronation will leave a complete mark where the entire foot has touched the ground. A high arch will leave just a part of the ball of the foot’s, outside portion, and heel of the foot. Either of these arch dysfunctions can contribute to heel spurs or therapy for plantar fasciitis because the foot has to deal with too much pressure on points that were not intended to have impact.

Get Relief for Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis With Orthotic Insoles

Persons with pain caused by flat feet, heel spurs, or who need treatment for plantar fasciitis can find relief by using orthotics in their shoes. They provide the needed support to fix the weak structures in the foot, such as those that make up the arch. They also provide cushioning in areas where too much pressure in the ball of the foot and heel. Orthotics are available in many sizes and types and are designed to meet the needs of athletes, high-heel wearers, and everyone in between.