If getting out of bed in the morning is punctuated by an intensely sharp pain in the heel, plantar fasciitis may be the culprit. One in ten people experience it, and many have long-term issues. The condition is most common during middle age, but is also a problem for younger people who are physically active. Shoe orthotics for plantar fasciitis help eliminate the sources of pressure responsible for causing discomfort.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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