Your foot is much more complex than you may realize. You have muscles, bones, tendons, and other structures that work together to help you stand and walk around. Just like any other part of the body, your feet can suffer from a multitude of injuries and conditions that reduce your quality of life by causing uncomfortable symptoms.
A common treatment for foot problems is arch support inserts worn inside shoes. Figuring out if you need arch support can be a little confusing. That’s why you should discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with a podiatrist to determine if arch support can help you.
Below are some signs that you may need arch support.
Frequent Foot Pain
You might chalk up your frequent foot pain to the shoes you wear or just walking too much. However, you shouldn’t blow off the pain. Your feet may be telling you that you need better arch support.
Conditions like plantar fasciitis can cause your feet to hurt, specifically in the heel. This condition is caused by a lack of support in the bottom of the foot. Arch support and orthotics can do wonders in reducing symptoms by offering your feet the support needed to reduce inflammation and increase mobility.
Flat Feet
- One of the important aspects of your foot is the arch, which is the bend in the sole of the foot. The arch provides both support and balance.
- When your arch isn’t pronounced enough, you have a condition known as flat feet. This condition can cause you to have a series of symptoms, such as pain, aching, stiffness, and reduced mobility. With flat feet, you could also develop problems in other parts of the body, such as pain in the lower legs and back.
- Fortunately, arch support prescribed by a foot specialist can provide relief by balancing your posture and stance, as well as offering support.
High Arches
High arches can cause foot problems, as well. In fact, you’re more prone to plantar fasciitis and balance problems if you have high arches.
You could also develop a condition called metatarsalgia, which causes the ball of the foot to become inflamed and painful. Another common condition is hammertoe, caused by too much pressure on the tendons in the front of the foot. Arch support can balance your feet, so you experience fewer symptoms.
Active Lifestyle
If you stand or walk for hours on a regular basis, you’re more at risk of developing foot issues. People who have occupations that keep them standing or walking for extended hours, like teachers, nurses, and factory workers, are more likely to develop issues with their arches. Arch support can extend the time you spend on your feet without symptoms developing.
Being Overweight
Being overweight places you at a greater risk of conditions that impact the health of your feet. Excess weight places pressure on your lower extremities, which can contribute to back pain and problems elsewhere, as well. Arch support devices can help give your feet the support needed to keep them healthy.
Arch Support Prescribed by Podiatrists in Fairfield, Ohio
If you are interested in learning more about arch support and how it can improve symptoms in your feet, talk to the experts at Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care today. Our specialists have a wealth of experience diagnosing and treating foot and ankle issues that cause symptoms, reduce mobility, and decrease quality of life.
Contact Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care, serving many locations throughout Ohio, to diagnose and treat your foot problem. Call us at the location most convenient to you, or fill out our online appointment form.
