When getting up in the morning becomes associated with an intense, sharp, stabbing sensation localized in the heel, the issue may be plantar fasciitis. Affecting nearly one-tenth of the population, it ranks among the most prevalent foot problems. Although common in middle age, anyone spending long periods on their feet may experience it. Shoe orthotics for plantar fasciitis help eliminate the pressure points that are responsible.
Orthotics is a term describing shoe inserts designed to eliminate pressure on the foot. They are commonly known as arch supports, but the job they do involves more than just placing a foam pad inside a shoe. Supports are designed to make standing, walking and even running feel more natural, reduce existing pain, and prevent future problems from developing by changing the way feet meet the ground.
A number of conditions produce similar symptoms, and self-diagnosis of chronic heel pain may overlook a more serious problem. If pain is severe, long lasting, or causes problems moving about, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist. In most cases discomfort is limited, but still may take more than a year to resolve. Rest is one of the most-recommended solutions.
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 arches generally do actually collapse, they are often a source of discomfort. People born with them cannot absorb hard-surface impacts in the same way as those with ideal foot imprints. Additional support may be added by wearing specially made shoes, inserting cushioning pads, or by taping the foot daily. In some cases, these solutions provide greater relief than regularly using NSAID pain medications.
Although they are not a cure-all, over-the-counter padded shoe inserts can also prove helpful. Some provide more relief than others, depending primarily on the materials used in the manufacturing process. The cushioning pad should be firm enough to resist complete flattening, yet provide enough support to make activities more comfortable. They can be ideal for young people who are still growing.
For most adults, custom designed orthotics provide a better option for long-term relief. Imprints are made to clearly define the problematic areas, and an insert intended to reduce risk factors is made based on that template. Compared to the commercial brands available, most are sturdier, and provide better longitudinal support for arches. Heel cups may be necessary to relieve the pressure of standing.
The cost of customized inserts can be significant, and may not be covered by all medical insurance, but the results may be well worth the expense. Chronic foot pain negatively affects nearly every aspect of waking life. When strengthening, taping, rest, or standard inserts prove ineffective, orthotics fitted with the help of a physician may be the best solution.
Orthotics is a term describing shoe inserts designed to eliminate pressure on the foot. They are commonly known as arch supports, but the job they do involves more than just placing a foam pad inside a shoe. Supports are designed to make standing, walking and even running feel more natural, reduce existing pain, and prevent future problems from developing by changing the way feet meet the ground.
A number of conditions produce similar symptoms, and self-diagnosis of chronic heel pain may overlook a more serious problem. If pain is severe, long lasting, or causes problems moving about, it is important to receive an accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist. In most cases discomfort is limited, but still may take more than a year to resolve. Rest is one of the most-recommended solutions.
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 arches generally do actually collapse, they are often a source of discomfort. People born with them cannot absorb hard-surface impacts in the same way as those with ideal foot imprints. Additional support may be added by wearing specially made shoes, inserting cushioning pads, or by taping the foot daily. In some cases, these solutions provide greater relief than regularly using NSAID pain medications.
Although they are not a cure-all, over-the-counter padded shoe inserts can also prove helpful. Some provide more relief than others, depending primarily on the materials used in the manufacturing process. The cushioning pad should be firm enough to resist complete flattening, yet provide enough support to make activities more comfortable. They can be ideal for young people who are still growing.
For most adults, custom designed orthotics provide a better option for long-term relief. Imprints are made to clearly define the problematic areas, and an insert intended to reduce risk factors is made based on that template. Compared to the commercial brands available, most are sturdier, and provide better longitudinal support for arches. Heel cups may be necessary to relieve the pressure of standing.
The cost of customized inserts can be significant, and may not be covered by all medical insurance, but the results may be well worth the expense. Chronic foot pain negatively affects nearly every aspect of waking life. When strengthening, taping, rest, or standard inserts prove ineffective, orthotics fitted with the help of a physician may be the best solution.
0 comments:
Post a Comment