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Posts Tagged ‘Calluses’

Should You Consider Orthotics for Your Foot Pain?

28 Jul



Many people with arthritis foot pain benefit from orthotic inserts. Orthotics is the science of constructing or custom designing foot appliances such as arch supports, shoe inserts, shoes, etc., to aid in preventing and correcting deformities that may inhibit normal, comfortable movement in a person. Orthotics also assists in supporting and properly aligning the foot to help improve the overall function of the body’s moveable part.

Although you may think a good athletic shoe (I.E. walking, running) provides you with enough support, this is untrue for someone who suffers or is prone to foot pain. The reason is because while an exceptional shoe can provide your feet with cushioning and motion control, it doesn’t provide adequate arch or heel support, or shock absorption.

Therefore, after you purchase a well-made pair of shoes, you need to take out the insole that came with the shoe, and replace it with an orthotic insole.

What types of foot pain benefit from orthotics? Orthotics are generally recommended for treating those who suffer from the following foot problems causing pain -

- Arch strain and pain

- Bunions

- Calluses

- Corns

- Crooked toes

- Hammer toes

- Heel pain

- Heel spurs

- Metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot)

- Over-pronation

- Plantar fasciitis

Is there more than one type of orthotic insole? Yes. Orthotics come in various sizes and can be used for a number of different shoe styles. However, before we take a look at the different orthotics, keep in mind that not all insoles are orthotics. If the word “orthotic” is not on the packaging, the insoles are not made with the same science. Unlike other insoles, orthotics are designed to mold themselves to the foot when worn. The following are the different types of orthotics -

Functional orthotics – This type of orthotic is designed to correct defects of the arch including over-pronation, common in people with flat feet, and supination, common in people with high arches. Both foot problems can cause heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and puts excessive strain on muscles and joints throughout the back, hip and leg. Functional orthotics provides proper correction of these foot problems.

Supportive orthotics – These orthotics are designed to fix problems that occur in the arch, and provide the arch with proper support.

Weight-dispersive or accommodative orthotics -These orthotics are designed to provide padding and help support sesamoid bones (bones embedded in a tendon) metatarsal heads, collapsed tarsal bones, inflamed toes and sores. They help relieve pain and pressure from these areas.

Where can you obtain orthotic inserts? There are two ways a person can obtain orthotic insoles -

1. Ready-made orthotics -There are a variety of ready-made orthotic insoles sold online and in local super centers, drug stores and pharmacies. Most ready-made orthotic insoles provide arch support and a certain level of correction and cushioning to a person’s step. The following is a list of ready-made orthotic product brand names you can look for – Dr. Scholls, Spenco Insoles, and Footlevelers.

2. Custom orthotics – Custom orthotics will provide you better relief than ready-made orthotics because they are designed specifically for your foot and to treat your specific foot issue. The only problem is custom orthotics are hundreds of dollars, making them significantly more expensive than the ready-made variety.

Custom made orthotics are prescribed by health care professionals such as a family practitioner, chiropractor or podiatrist. The actual fitting of orthotic insoles is done at an orthotics lab by a pedorthist. The pedorthist constructs custom orthotics based on the diagnosis of the doctor and by taking a plaster cast of the patient’s foot.

Despite the type of orthotic insoles you decide to obtain for your feet, remember that you should always have your doctor diagnose your foot pain and ask for recommended treatment options.

 
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Need Relief from Flat Foot Pain?

06 Feb



Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition that occurs when the arch in the foot collapses. The collapse of the arch causes the entire sole of the foot to come into complete contact, or almost in complete contact, with the floor. As a result, people with flat feet are unable to tread normally and are forced to alter their steps.

What causes flat feet?

- Genetics – In most cases, (approximately 20-30% of the population) flat feet is genetic and both feet are affected. Those born with naturally flat feet usually have a malformed joint, or two or more bones may have merged together that caused the feet to become stiff and flat.

- Injury that causes stiffness and distorts the foot joints such as a ruptured tendon

- Arthritis

- Illness – Diseases that affect the nervous system or muscles (I.E. spian bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) can cause flat feet because muscles become week and stiff, and can no longer function effectively together.

- Natural aging process

- Pregnancy – Sometimes pregnant women develop flat feet from the temporary changes caused by an increase in elastin in their body.

Usually, flat feet is a permanent condition.

What symptoms can occur from having flat feet? People with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing foot problems because they suffer from over-pronation. Over-pronation is when the feet roll excessively inward due to the stress overload placed on the ligaments and tendons of the ankle. This weakens the ankle and inside portion of the foot causing it to turn inward. Over-pronation can lead to painful symptoms including -

Bunions – A deformity of the big toe that occurs when the joint becomes misaligned and protrude outward.

Calluses – When the big toe loses flexibility, calluses usually occur under the sole of the foot near the second toe where stress is being placed.

Hammer toes – When the angle of the big toe increases inward, it begins to slide under the second toe. As a result, the metatarsal bone rises up and causes a hammer toe to form.

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs – The Achilles tendon becomes shorter and pulls up on the heel of a person with flat feet, causing the arch to flatten and the foot to become longer. Thus, the plantar fascia (tight band of muscle under the foot arch) becomes abnormally stretched, which can lead to pain in the heel bone (plantar fasciitis) and heel spurs.

Low back pain – This usually occurs due to strain on the sciatic nerve. This nerve links the lower back to the foot via the leg. The strain is typically caused by repeated shock from running and over-pronation.

Finding relief from symptoms – There are different methods for treating flat feet, such as -

- Stretching exercises – Engage in exercises (2 – 3 times daily) that focus on the arch of your foot and Achilles’ tendons (IE. rolling your foot back and forth over a rolling pin or foot gymnastics). This will help increase flexibility and reduce the stress and pain felt by these areas.

- Lose weight – If you are overweight, losing weight helps to provide relief for your feet.

- Wear supportive shoes – Keep an eye on the stability of your footwear. Don’t wear shoes that are worn, tight, or tilt inwards. These shoes only increase your risk of injury and pain. Also, use orthotic insoles for your shoes to provide your foot with better support.

- See a professional – If you suffer from chronic discomfort or pain, seek the attention of a foot specialist such as a podiatrist or orthopedist. They can help provide you with proper shoes and orthotics that are custom made for your foot. They can also recommend exercises and even surgery if it is in the patient’s best interest.

 
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