Orthotic Arch Supports: Their Role In Treating Foot Pain Disorders

It is a fact that foot problems are very common; about 70% of people will suffer foot pain at some time in their lives. With every step we take, a force of 2-3 times our body weight is placed on our feet. Considering that during a typical day we take 8,000-10,000 steps, it comes as no surprise that at some time in our lives we will all suffer from foot pain.

Our feet are complex structures, consisting of 26 bones and 33 joints, layered with an intertwining web of more than 120 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Here is an overview of the most common types of foot pain, why they occur, and what you can do to alleviate these foot problems.

Common Types of Foot Pain Conditions

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by small tears accompanied by inflammation along the ligaments and tendons stretching from the heel towards the ball of the foot. This region (called the Plantar Fascia) resembles a bow string, and forms the arch of the foot, serving as one of our bodies' shock absorbers. Pain in the heel, particularly during the first steps as you start the day, is often associated with this type of foot pain. The kind of footwear being worn often plays an important role in providing relief from foot pain. Podiatrists recommend orthotics as plantar fasciitis treatment to help relieve this condition in many people.


Ball of Foot Pain (Metatarsalgia)

Ball of Foot Pain is also referred to as Metatarsalgia, and takes place when the forefoot bones (metatarsals) drop and the ligaments which surround them weaken. As a result, the forefoot structure collapses, leading to excessive friction and pressure under the ball of the foot. Podiatrists often recommend orthotic insoles with metatarsal support to provide needed relief.

Achilles Tendonitis

The tendon joining the calf muscle and the heel bone is called the Achilles Tendon, and is the largest tendon in our bodies. This tendon also supports most of the weight of our entire body. Intense or excessive sports activities involving the feet, and in certain cases, arthritis may cause this type of foot pain. In cases where over-pronation contributes to the problem, orthotics are recommended to help relieve these types of foot problems. Adequate rest and exercises to strengthen the calf muscles are often helpful in the healing process.

Heel Spurs

A heel spur is a bony growth on the heel bone (calcaneus). Heel spurs, often the result of plantar fasciitis, can cause sharp foot pain at the bottom or front of the heel bone. The inflamed tissue around the spur causes pain and discomfort. This painful bony growth on the heel is the result of continued pulling of the fascia as a result of over-pronation. The usual plantar fasciitis treatment involving the use of orthotics can prevent and relieve these types of foot problems.

Shin Pain or Shin Splints

It is not uncommon for runners to experience pain in the shin area, also known as Shin Splints. This condition involves inflammation in the front or inside section of the shin bone. In many cases, shin splints are the result of intense physical activity such as running or jumping, and is a condition that can often take a long time to heal. Another cause of shin pain is tight leg muscles. Muscle imbalances caused by improper running posture can also lead to shin pain. Over-pronation is frequently a contributing factor in shin pain. Excessive foot pronation typically results in rotation of te tibial bone, increasing pressures on the ligaments and muscles of the lower leg. Podiatrists often recommend orthotics to provide relief in these types of foot problems.

If your foot problems worsen or become chronic despite the use of orthotics, it is recommended that you consult with a podiatrist.

Symptoms involving metatarsal pain are signs of a medical condition known as Metatarsalgia, and it involves inflammation to the nerves adjoining the metatarsal bones. Metatarsalgia is a common occurrence among runners, basketball players, tennis players, and other athletes involved in high-impact sports. It is also frequent among women who wear high-heel shoes for long periods at a time.

Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
People afflicted by metatarsalgia pain often feel intense pain in the area of the sole directly behind the toes, more commonly known as the balls of our feet. The footache can be acute, burning, or dull, and is most often felt near the big toe, though it can also occur under the middle toes. These are the most frequent symptoms accompanying metatarsalgia pain:
%u2022 The ache gets worse when you run, walk, or stand for long periods, and improves after resting.
%u2022 The pain aggravates when walking barefoot, particularly on hard surfaces.
%u2022 Lack of sensation or tingling of the toes
%u2022 The pain worsens when flexing the feet.
%u2022 You feel like youâ%u20AC%u2122re walking on pebbles
%u2022 Sharp pain in the toes

Common Causes of Metatarsalgia
When we run or jump, the metatarsal bones absorb the full impact of the equivalent of several times our body weight. Among the common causes of metatarsalgia pain are extreme sports training, biomechanical foot imbalances, excess weight, poorly fitting shoes, and everyday wearing of high-heel shoes.

Likely Complications
If the symptoms of metatarsalgia pain are not taken care of in a timely manner, this condition can deteriorate to more critical disorders such as loss of range of motion, ligament injuries, problems with the toes, and chronic stiffness. In extreme cases, necrosis can develop and collapse the entire bone structure.

Treatment for Metatarsal Foot Pain
Relieving metatarsalgia pain in most cases does not demand aggressive measures. The most recommended treatments for metatarsalgia pain are:

Get rest - Avoid putting unneeded pressure on your feet by resting. In short time you may practice low-impact activities such as swimming, rowing, or cycling.

Apply Ice - Use ice packs on the aching area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Wear properly-fitting shoes - Shoes need to fit properly and be of the suitable for the type of activity that you plan to get involved in.

Wear orthotics - The use of suitable arch support insoles can provide the needed sustainment to reduce pressure on the metatarsals.

Wearing orthotics can play an important role in of most treatments for metatarsalgia pain. Wearing metatarsal pads can also help to alleviate the pressure around the metatarsal area.

Most of the cases concerning metatarsalgia pain do not require medical care. It is common for our feet to be sore after a long day of standing or working out. Talk to your doctor if the pain or burning sensation if the metatarsalgia pain does not improve after modifying your activities and wearing orthotics.

Having metatarsal foot pain can be an unpleasant experience, but by taking the proper care of your feet with the treatment options recommended above you can return to your normal activities in a short amount of time.

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