Many people suffer from foot pain at some point in their life. In fact, a recent American Podiatric Medical Association poll discovered that half of all working Americans have missed at least one day of work due to a foot problem. When you consider how important our feet are and the complexity of the foot, it is important to properly support the foundation of our skeletal structure.
The human foot is a marvelously complicated yet efficient machine, comprised of over 100 working parts, including as many as 28 bones working in conjunction with ligaments, tendons and muscles. All of this supports and balances our entire body, and in the course of normal walking bears up to 1.5 times our body weight on each foot. This pressure is enormous, and with the average foot traveling 1,000 miles a year, it is no surprise there are many injuries.
The feet act as shock absorbers for the entire body, and in the course of a one-hour strenuous workout will cushion nearly one million pounds of pressure. As a result, many people feel the pain of this stress, usually caused by foot imbalance. This pain shouldn’t be ignored as it is not a normal result of foot function.
One of the most common ways to treat foot problems is with shoe inserts known as orthotics. These orthotics come in many forms and functions. The most common foot orthotics are arch supports, cushion insoles, and more specific orthotics such as heel or ball of foot cushions.
Regardless of the type or model, the goal of these orthotic inserts is to help keep the feet in proper balance by offering support and aiding in shock absorption. They also help to improve the biomechanical function of the foot, as well as the other joints of the lower body including the knees, hips and low back.
The importance of proper foot function can’t be over stressed. When the foot fails, not only is there increased strain and ultimately pain to the many joints in the foot, but also in the ankle, knee and hip. These imbalances can lead to many other painful conditions, but ultimately it starts in the feet.
To help take the stress off of your overworked feet and to help avoid painful knee and hip conditions, consider using Cushioning Insoles. You will immediately be surprised how relaxed your feet feel with Orthotic Arch Supports from top manufacturers such as CurrexSole FootDiscs, Spenco, Superfeet, Sole, Sof Sole and Arch Angels Childrens Comfort insoles. Don’t make your feet suffer any longer. Start protecting them so they can continue to serve you well for many years to come.