It cannot be said enough. Pain in your feet – is not normal and shouldn’t be tolerated. Far too many people are living life waking up to pain in the feet each morning, and as they go to bed at night, keeping them from enjoying the activities they love. So this week, let’s talk orthotics. Recently, celebs such as Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Bilson, and Miranda Lambert, have come out in support of orthotics, saying that they love the relief they feel while wearing them. While there may be a lucky few who don’t have to worry about pain on the bottom of their feet after walking or standing for long periods of time, the most of us know all too well just how debilitating this pain can be!
But doc, why does it have to hurt so much!?
While the natural arches in our feet are essential for the way we walk, this anatomical architecture takes an incredible amount of muscle and soft tissue fascia to maintain. Overtime – as we continue to use these muscles without adequate support, they stretch out under our weight, and develop what we call ‘micro tears’. These tears are what cause so many of us pain, and can lead to the diagnosis we all fear… ‘Plantar fasciitis’!
So what can we do to stop the pain?
Orthotics. While they come in many different shapes, colors, heights, materials, and varieties, these have been the mainline treatment for protecting your body’s natural foot hierarchy for decades. Unfortunately, I have patients coming into my office in Crofton, Maryland who’ve already tried store bought arch supports advertised on TV, and quote, “they didn’t seem to help”. As I tell all of my patients, these devices at the store are made to fit just about everybody, and as a result, are very limited in how much support they offer each individual. All of our arches are unique, and while most feet may not be as beautiful as a snowflake, they are absolutely different in the height, angle, and length of support they may need.
This is exactly why if considering arch supports and the possibility of orthotics, it is important that you speak to a professional. The interventions you are considering by adding arch supports will change the way your body walks, all the way from your ankles, to your knees, hips, and into your back. At Crofton Podiatry, we can give you a full workup – analyzing your full anatomical needs in both stance and in motion to get you the supports you need to finally address your pesky arch pain!
By Brad Toll.