Do Your Feet Hurt?

Do your feet hurt? If they do hurt (or your knee, back, or hips), you may have an arch that needs to be supported!

An orthotic for your foot can also be called an arch support or insert – they are targeted to support your arch and ultimately your body.  All these terms mean the same thing, but the end result of what you put under your arch can be very different.

What happens if you don’t have arch support?  That depends on a number of things related to your uniqueness.  Are you more flexible?  Do you pronate or suppinate  - a fancy term for saying you walk on the inside or outside of your foot.  Do your ankles roll in or out?  Have you had any injuries or problems with your feet, knees or ankles? How much do you weigh?  What kinds of activities do you do?  Do you stand on your feet all day? All of these items contribute to how your body may be affected by not having arch support.  .  People often have an arch support made for injury or pain, but they are also solutions to preventing injury. 

The best solution is to get arch support before you are in pain, so you can avoid any serious problems and get all the benefits arch support can give you.

There are custom orthotics and over-the-counter orthotics(OTC).  A custom orthotic is built to each individual foot.  An OTC is already pre-made and needs to be replaced every 6 to 9 months. Depending on your foot type and your arch measurement, what your body needs may not be what you are using.  Be sure you understand what is best for you.

There are also many custom orthotics on the market today.  It is key to understand just what it is you are getting and what that means to you and your particular problems – and what your body likes! If it doesn’t like “hard”, make sure you’re your arch support is not going to be hard.  High arched flexible people have the most issues since they often come down hard on their arch and consequently put uneven pressure on other parts of their bodies.  They often have pain in their feet, as well as their knees, low back and hips. Many custom arch supports do not completely support a high-arched person– know what you are getting!

What you put under your arch is the foundation for your body.  Did you know that virtually every professional athlete wears a custom orthotic?  They recognize that having the right support and fit under their arch for their foot type not only protects them from injury, but also gives them additional power and endurance. Yes, power and endurance! 

Orthotics are not just for when you have a foot problem.   Focus on better health and get educated on what is right for you. See a Certified Pedorthist or sports medicine professional about any pain, before it gets critical.

Judy Cocchiarella, C.Ped

Foot Solutions