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 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.
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.
While not a universal solution, common and relatively economical over-the-counter inserts can help. Their advantages vary depending on the materials used to make them, and some are more effective than others. The inserts need to be sturdy enough to resist complete flattening, while still giving support to areas most in need. For many adolescents who are still growing, they are ideal.
The most promising solution for many adults involves custom-made orthotics. Potential problem areas can be revealed by taking a foot imprint, which forms the template for the creation of an insert specific to the problem. They are generally more rigid than commonly sold versions, and provide greater longitudinal support. The addition of heel cups may be necessary in stubborn cases.
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.
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.
While not a universal solution, common and relatively economical over-the-counter inserts can help. Their advantages vary depending on the materials used to make them, and some are more effective than others. The inserts need to be sturdy enough to resist complete flattening, while still giving support to areas most in need. For many adolescents who are still growing, they are ideal.
The most promising solution for many adults involves custom-made orthotics. Potential problem areas can be revealed by taking a foot imprint, which forms the template for the creation of an insert specific to the problem. They are generally more rigid than commonly sold versions, and provide greater longitudinal support. The addition of heel cups may be necessary in stubborn cases.
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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