Thursday, July 24, 2014

By Sharron Cantu


Podiatrists deal with patients that have sore and swollen feet and ankles every day. In most cases the cause of the discomfort is that the patient is wearing the wrong type of shoe or shoes that do not fit properly. However, patients with flat feet also experience discomfort, sometimes constantly. In most cases the use of special insoles that can be inserted in standard shoes can provide almost immediate relief. Arch support orthotics not only benefits people with flat feet, however.

Low or non existent insteps lead to a variety of foot problems. Many sufferers cannot stand on tip toes and they experience intense pain if they have to stand for long periods of time. Their feet and ankles tend to swell up in hot weather and many sufferers also experience constant lower back pain. Their shoes wear unevenly and they struggle to find footwear that is wide enough.

There is no cure for flat feet. Insoles remain one of the most effective remedies however. Even if they do not lead to a cure, they still provide immense relief. They are designed to support the arches, helping sufferers to stand up straight. They are freely available over the counter but some patients need custom made insoles if their feet are deformed in any way.

A small number of podiatrists have attempted to cure flat feet by surgically inserting an artificial support device in the ankle. However, the vast majority of podiatrists shun this idea. They describe this operation as irresponsible and very risky. The chances of something going wrong are unacceptably high and the patient will experience constant lifelong pain. The risk is simply not worth it.

There are other things that can help sufferers to relieve the symptoms common to flat feet. Podiatrists advise patients to walk barefoot as often as possible. Efforts should also be made to run on the toes. It is also beneficial to stretch the toes as wide as possible a few times every day. These exercises will strengthen the ligaments and improve the flexibility of the feet.

All babies have flat feet. The arches only develop at a later stage but in some cases they simply never develop at all. There are other causes for flat feet that develop at a later stage. Obese people are very likely to suffer from flat feet. Those with arthritis are also at risk. The tendons in the ankles often weaken with age and this may lead to flat feet in the elderly.

Of course, people that never developed insteps have no choice but to live with the condition. Other can, however, do much to prevent to condition from developing later in life. One of the most important preventive measures is to maintain a healthy weight. It is also very important to wear shoes that fit correctly. Sportsmen should always wear the shoes specifically designed for the type of sport they play.

Painful feet and ankles can seriously affect the mobility of sufferers. People with flat feet should try to wear special insoles at all times. Care should be taken, however, to use only high quality products manufactured by reputable firms. Any podiatrist can advise on quality brands.




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