A healthy foot will have a slight upward curve on the bottom.
This curve is known as the arch, and it’s responsible for helping to absorb stress, and stabilize your body when you are walking, running or even standing.
Since there are many tendons, ligaments and bones that comprise your arch, maintaining a healthy arch is important for the health of your feet –as well as for your health in general. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can take care of your foot –and maintain proper arch support.
Shoe Inserts
Shoes that don’t offer good support can cause your arches to ache. Getting shoe inserts can help support your arch and stabilize your heel, reducing stress and reducing pain. You can also help yourself by choosing to wear shoes that offer built-in support, and by ensuring that you wear the right footwear for the right activity.
Arch Supports
Specialized arch supports are available for all types of feet. Finding the right arch supports can help to relieve pain and discomfort. Before you purchase arch supports, however, it’s important to determine what your foot type is, in order to get the right supports.
Strengthen the Muscles
Finally, by working to strengthen your muscles, you can reduce your chances of injury. Your tibialis posterior muscle and Achilles tendon are the two main muscles that might cause you pain. Work to strengthen them by stretching them –especially before a run or workout.
Arch pain may not seem like a serious issue, but it can be an indicator of serious problems. If ignored for too long, this pain can become worse, and the problem could escalate. Since your arch supports the weight of your entire body, arch pain can often lead to additional pain in your feet, knees, legs and even back.
If you find yourself suffering from arch pain, or if the pain becomes worse or persists for a lengthy period of time you should make an appointment with your podiatrist.
For foot treatment in Houston, Texas contact Dr. Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.