Many Foot Problems Can Be Prevented With Proper Foot Arch Support
Most podiatrists will tell you that arch pain and foot overpronation can be a source of problems for people in every stage of life and can even influence an athlete’s performance in every way. Three causes of this type of pain may be surprising to some who aren’t aware of them. Most of the causes are avoidable, while some can be inherited. According to the Cleveland Clinic, three of the easily averted causes for arch pain include poor selection of shoe style, improper fit, and lack of foot arch support. These ill-decided actions can all lead to painful foot disorders like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic cites that 2 of the genetic foot conditions that can lead to overpronation and foot arch pain include low foot arches or arches that are markedly high. Below we explain some foot procedures that treat these conditions and how each of them can be resolved.
When Bunion Removal Procedures are Necessary
Removal of a bunion, or a bunionectomy, is the process through which the bump of bone just below the big toe is detached to achieve a more norma foot profile and width. In critical cases where the big toe has turned under the other toes, the podiatrist cuts a triangle-shaped wedge out of the big toe’s bone to reset it to its normal position. A single metal osteo screw is turned inside the bone to hold the new position in place. After about 6 months, the screw is usually removed. Despite the fact that this problem can be brought on by pointed shoes, some bunion cases are inherited. Surgeons confer that shoes with little space force the toes into an unnatural position can bring on bunions.
Proper Arch Support Can Prevent a Host of Serious Foot Problems
Some of the inherited foot disorders include either low arches or abnormally raised arches. Both types of arch disorders can affect the average person as well as an active athlete. The result of a low arch can be arch pain and overpronation because this injured part of the foot is not performing as it should. When this part of the foot malfunctions, overpronation occurs which can lead to a heel spur, a bony protrusion in the heel. Surgery is sometimes required to remove the boneoutgrowth and relieve the pain. The podiatrist will use a bone saw to cut away the bony protrusion to relieve the discomfort and ripped muscle tissue it had been causing. The best solution for treating both types of arch disorders so heel spurs can be avoided is by giving the foot with normal arch support through athletic insoles.
Without Proper Shoes, Painful Hammertoes Can Occur
Pointed-toe shoes and shoes that are too tight can also cause hammertoes. This problem can affect athletes that wear ill-fitting shoes during training as well. Hammertoes are, sadly, difficult to treat without surgical intervention. First, a podiatrist can try to straighten the affected toe to try and coax it into a more natural placement. In order for this method to work, wider shoes must be worn form that point on. Hammertoes can return if improper shoes are worn again. If forcing the toe straight with a splint fails, surgery is the only option. The malformed toe must have a portion of the bone surgically removed to minimize its bend. The recovery period is very important, as patients who refuse to stay off their feet as suggested will fail to mend appropriately. The prevention for this condition is to wear properly-fitting shoes.
Regardless of type of activity level, age, or heredity, foot conditions can happen to a fair number of persons. Though foot procedures can surgically repair these conditions, most of the time they are never an issue if people wear well fitting shoes and proper foot arch support.
