When it comes to the issue of foot pain, the science and research is quite clear – orthopaedic / therapeutic shoes and orthotic inserts will reduce foot pain and increase patients’ comfort levels. Wearing therapeutic footwear is one of the simplest and most important things you can do to care for your feet and relieve your foot pain.
Orthopaedic/Therapeutic shoes and orthotic inserts can help relieve the pain of when people suffer from many different foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, peripheral neuropathy, and all sorts of arch and heel pain.
The degree of treatment that you require will, of course, depend upon the extent of your foot condition. If you have minor foot pain, you can relieve your condition by simply choosing supportive footwear shoes and purchasing over-the-counter arch supports (shoe inserts).
The location of foot pain is often determined by the distribution of the body’s weight. As a result, the most common areas for patients to experience foot pain are the heels, arches, ball of foot area and ankles.
What are Orthopedic/Therapeutic Shoes?
Orthopedic shoes are designed to provide extra support and relieve your pain in those areas. They often have additional support in the arch of the foot while also offering the appropriate stability for the ankle and support for heel striking. Therapeutic shoes are usually aimed at prevention & healing & tend to have very similar properties to an orthopaedic shoe, but with a softer construction – it’s about choosing the right type of shoe for the individual’s needs.
When choosing an orthotic device, or custom insert, the same rule applies – these can also be designed with a goal of an orthopaedic or therapeutic solution in mind – the degree of support offered will depend on the needs of the individual.
A common source of foot pain is fallen arches, which is also referred to as flat feet. This is a condition in which the arch of the foot has collapsed, and the foot’s sole comes into complete (or nearly complete) contact with the ground.
This is a common condition, affecting 20 – 30% of the general population. In addition to causing foot pain, fallen arches can also put stress on the knees, lower back, and legs. Wearing orthopaedic /therapeutic shoes and arch supports can significantly improve the painful effects of fallen arches.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that often results in pain in the heel and arch of the foot. In this condition, the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The plantar fascia is the band of tissue that runs the length of the foot, connecting the heel to the toes.
With time and strain, that tissue can develop small tears and become inflamed. The tissue may lose its ability to repair itself, and the tears can resist healing. The fascia may begin to degenerate.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by other medical conditions, or it can simply be the result of the shape of the foot (such as very high arches) or repetitive minor strain or injury to the feet. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is imperative that you address the issue by wearing orthopedic shoes and orthotic inserts. These measures can give your feet the support that they need and reduce further stress on the plantar fascia.
Diabetes can also result in foot problems. People who have diabetes sometimes develop a complication known as peripheral neuropathy, which can cause additional foot problems.
Diabetics can experience numbness and tingling in their feet, and may be unaware of problems with their feet due to the loss of sensation. If you are diabetic, it is important that you care for your feet.
Remain active, wear supportive shoes & arch supports to give you the support that you need. If you have arthritis, diabetes, or any type of foot pain, then it may be necessary to purchase orthopaedic or therapeutic shoes and custom inserts to give you the best solution. Doing so can prevent complications and further permanent damage to our feet.
If you suffer from foot pain, visit Foot solutions Ireland. Our team of professionals can do many things to resolve your foot problems. We will carry out a free foot & gait analysis, which includes measuring your feet to make sure that you are wearing the proper size etc. From there, we can recommend the best solution to suit your individual needs.
