Posts for tag: arch support
The human foot acts like a machine substituting bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments for joints, belts and pulleys. The correct functioning of the foot depends on the exact coordination of all these components. The arch consists of the bones in the mid-foot area and plays a vital role in the overall functioning of the foot. The bones and joints of the arch have the very important task of locking and unlocking. As the foot initially strikes the ground, the bones unlock to enable the foot to adjust to diverse surfaces and to absorb shock. As the foot begins to lift and move forward, the bones relock to make the foot rigid and allow a good push-off the ground.
If the muscles, ligaments and tendons that support the arch do not function properly, the arch itself cannot work correctly. The tendons and ligaments can become excessively stretched and strained from years of misuse and start to lose their ability to support the arch. This causes the arches to fall and results in painful movements. If the foot is flat throughout the stride and walking motion, the relocking of the bones cannot occur. Because of this, the foot is unable to provide a solid push-off and the muscles of the leg have to work harder. This is why someone with fallen arches commonly complains of aching, fatigued muscles at the end of the day. Along with leg pain, a fallen arch may also cause pain in the heel. If the ligaments on the bottom of the foot are over stretched, the place where the ligaments attach on the heel can become inflamed and sore. Pain can be felt elsewhere when the arches collapse. It is very common that when one joint of the body is not working correctly, other joints of the body are affected negatively. Problems with the arch often lead to problems with the ankle join, knee, hip and joints of the lower back. These joints need to make up for the fallen arch and this compensation puts the joints at risk for osteoarthritis.
It is very important to treat fallen arches to relieve foot pain as well as decrease the risk for developing knee, hip, and low back pain. Fallen arches have a solution that is hassle-free, cost-effective, and does not generally need drugs or surgery. An arch support made to support the foot will relieve the foot pain and prevent the foot from cause other complications. The arch support will permit the bones of the arch to function properly during unlocking and locking movements. Unfortunately, many people with fallen arches suffer because they do not know the solution is easy and reasonably priced.