Why Your Shoes May Require Arch Support Inserts For Flat Feet

By Deanne Shepard


Many people may have heard of people saying that they are flat footed. However, not everyone understands what that term means. When a person is afflicted with this condition, it is best taken care of by wearing arch support inserts for flat feet. These inserts can make this condition more bearable.

Having a flat foot means that the arch of the foot is not as high as it should be. The problem is just as it sounds, the arch is absent in a way that makes the foot flat which causes a lack of support. A person who wears sandals or high heels may be more susceptible to this problem as these types of shoes do not offer the correct support and the foot will gradually adapt to the type of shoes that are being worn. One foot might be affected, while the other arch remains.

Complications in the way the foot is arched can be increased by excessive body weight, although this is not always the case. While young folks can be affected, they generally do not have as much problems as older folks. This can change as a person ages.

Those people suffering from this problem do not experience a lack of foot usability. Any pain is usually present because of the stress on the other parts of the foot. Pain can also be felt in the back and legs as they compensate for the way the foot is stepping. Since the feet are not properly aligned, balance can also become a problem.

One way that a person can get their weight properly dispersed and balanced on their feet is the use of arch supports. The use of these inserts assures that the foot is stepping properly which will help to decrease the stress and pain that being flat footed can cause.

There are several options for obtaining arch supports for your shoes. Locally, you may be able to get them as a department or drug store. There are even websites online that offer these products. However, it is suggested that since no two people have the same shoe size and same step, this type of product would be best if it were specially made for each person. One option is to make an appointment to be measured by a podiatrist. It is recommended that the shoes you wear most often are taken along to the appointment with you.

Most shoes come with insoles, however, these are not the same thing as arch supports. The regular insoles offer shock absorption and a bit of comfort, but not a lot of specialized support to the wearer. New shoes will feel supportive as first, but over time the insoles will fatten out. Having special supports inserted will help the foot stay supported.

While not everyone has a problem with their arches, it is not uncommon. Everyday we walk on flat surfaces and this along with excess body weight and aging can attribute to problems in the feet. Purchasing personalized supports for the shoes is one sure way to help eliminate the problems that flat feet can cause in the back and legs. While new shoes can feel comfortable and supportive it is best to remember that they do not offer the same support that inserts ordered especially for you offers.




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