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 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.
Self-diagnosis may miss a more serious issue causing foot pain because other conditions have similar symptoms. When pain is long-lasting, severe, but localized, and causes difficulty with mobility, it is important to get an accurate assessment from a podiatrist. While the discomfort may be minimal, it can still take a year or more to completely resolve. Resting the foot is commonly recommended.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Self-diagnosis may miss a more serious issue causing foot pain because other conditions have similar symptoms. When pain is long-lasting, severe, but localized, and causes difficulty with mobility, it is important to get an accurate assessment from a podiatrist. While the discomfort may be minimal, it can still take a year or more to completely resolve. Resting the foot is commonly recommended.
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.
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.
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.
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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