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.
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.
In some cases exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot are useful, but not in all situations. The most common culprit is ill-fitting shoes. While they may not be as fashionable outwardly, footwear that has cushioned, thick soles composed of dense, impact-absorbing materials are beneficial for active adults. People who have low arches, or so-called flat feet, often require extra 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.
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.
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.
In some cases exercises that stretch and strengthen the foot are useful, but not in all situations. The most common culprit is ill-fitting shoes. While they may not be as fashionable outwardly, footwear that has cushioned, thick soles composed of dense, impact-absorbing materials are beneficial for active adults. People who have low arches, or so-called flat feet, often require extra 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.
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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