If your feet are aching or you can’t seem to escape injury, it may be because your shoes lack adequate arch support. Read on to learn more about the importance of arch support in your shoes.
Anatomy of the Foot
The feet comprise nearly one-quarter of your body’s 206 bones. Arches serve as the shock absorbers for your body and protect the blood vessels and nerves from damage. Together with their complex system of joints, tendons and ligaments, your feet are capable of absorbing up to 300,000 lbs. of pressure and stress per every mile walked. When your arches are not supported, your body can fall fast victim to any number of injuries, starting, of course, with the arch itself.
One Sized Fits All vs Custom Arch Supports
Most shoes don’t offer adequate arch support, and relying on the wrong kind of insert can actually be detrimental to your feet – especially if you suffer from diabetes or arthritis. Unlike arch supports – also called orthotics – you would purchase in a specialty store, inserts made by your podiatrist are customized for your feet alone. Do you pronate? Do you have high arches or flat feet? Your podiatrist will ensure your arch supports are designed specifically for your height, weight, arch, the level and kind of activity you perform and any medical conditions you may have. Custom arch supports can even be designed to accommodate the different shoes you wear, whether they are construction boots, sneakers or even high heeled-shoes.
One Giant Leap for Your Feet
Some podiatrists – including Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care – offer the PedAlign® Digital Casting System. Rooted in imaging technology developed by NASA and MIT, the PedAlign® uses an infrared scanner that captures and digitizes images of your feet in a matter of a seconds. Your small step on the scanner is used to create a digital footprint and prescription that is used for evaluation and production of the highest quality, most effective custom orthotics.
Once you receive your custom-made arch supports, you can be sure they will provide the support, comfort and shock absorption you need to prevent injury and allow you to move all day in comfort.
Custom Foot Care in Greater Cincinnati
Do you have foot pain? If you wake up in the morning with tight, painful feet; or you’re on your feet all day, consider custom-made arch supports can help. Did you know that only a licensed health care professional can diagnose and prescribe custom orthotics? If you are in Cincinnati area, contact Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care. Our team of expert podiatrists and friendly staff can address any concern of the foot and ankle, from athletic and sports injuries to fractures and diabetic foot care. Whether you need arthroscopic surgery or custom-made arch supports, we are ready to see you at any one of our 18 convenient locations in and around Cincinnati to take the first step to a lifetime of foot and ankle health.
