
Most people think that only persons with flat feet need arch supports. But today’s shoes do not have any type of arch support built into the shoe. Most (99%) shoes even the expensive ones do not have any arch support. I have bought dozens of running shoes over my lifetime and I need to put a shoe insert /orthotic every time I get a new pair of not only running shoes but literally any shoe except of course flip flops.
One leg might also be slightly shorter than the other. A simple heel lift in the shorter leg can correct this problem. These two corrections help level the foundation and prevent micro trauma to the ankles, knees, hips, back and shoulders. It can also prevent heel spurs and foot pain or plantar fascitis.
What are some options to foot orthotics or shoe inserts? Massage really feels good and helps but the problem will usually come back because what you really need are some good inserts. Many people with foot problems might think about going to a foot specialist. That would be a podiatrist or a pedorthist. The podiatrist might talk about prescription drugs. Not my favorite by any means. You may also be offered ultrasound or even injections. Not for me thank you anyway. Then there is always surgery. Again…a BIG NO THANK YOU. Not with the risks of infection or something worse yet. A pedorthist is a specialist in using footwear which includes shoes, shoe modifications,orthotics and other pedorthic devises to solve problems in, or related to the feet. Many chiropractors also specialize in foot problems and would be a good resource.
By now you might be wondering what type of orthotics I recommend. I have tried everything from the ones you may have seen on an infomercial on TV to the popular Dr Scholls brand you can find at WalMart or Walgreen’s. I’m sorry but these are not very good quality. Just recently Dr Scholls started making some that are improving but still do not meet my standards. I have also tried the expensive custom made orthotics. These can range from $300- $400. I have literally used one of the custom orthotics in one shoe and one of my favorites in the other shoe and did not feel that the price difference was worth the much more money for the custom orthotics.
My favorite orthotics are Superfeet and Powerstep’s. Spenco also makes some very decent orthotics. There’s a few more brands out there but these are the ones I have tried and loved especially for the price. You will love them. Your feet will love them
Remember, the foundation of a building needs to be level. If the foundation is not level what happens to the walls? They begin to crack.
A poor foundation needs to be stabilized. Your feet are the foundation to your body. They need the proper support. You may go years with no problems other than tired achy feet. But that can be prevented as well.
If the feet, which are the foundation of the body, are not level and well supported, the knees are usually what begin to ache and break down first. Pain can occur in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, low back and travel up to the shoulders. There needs to be proper alignment and foot support, which in turn creates balance.
Get yourself some foot orthotics and discover what you have been missing.
“You don’t know what you are missing until you know what you have been missing”. Dr. G