360 Foot Care

        A very common comment by many of our patients and customers is that they are having problems because of their “flat feet.”  They will often complain of sore joints like hip and knee pain or even back pain and general foot pain. Well, while flat feet can certainly contribute to these conditions the first thing that we always try to do is to educate the patient or customer.

        There are flat feet then there are very flexible feet. Without using a bunch of technical terminology, you should know that true flat feet are ofter hereditary. When a person has true flat feet it means that they have no arch or so little arch that their feet always appear flat. That is when they are seated and in non-weight bearing, their feet appear flat. When they stand and are in weight bearing, their feet appear flat. In cases such as these the person has no or very little arch. Since the arches help to absorb stresses off of the body’s joints, people with “flat feet” often suffer from significant joint or musculoskeletal problems. 

        On the other hand most people, the vast majority in fact, have flexible arches. This means when they are seated you can actually see a decent arch in the foot. When they stand, because their arches are so flexible, their feet flatten significantly because the arch flattens. This causes the feet to appear to be flat. In these cases like people with true flat feet, the person can experience very similiar problems with pain.  Flat Feet often over pronated feet can have a ripple effect on the body. When the feet flatten excessively, they may affect the joints of the body by putting them out of alignment. When the joints are placed out of alignment pain can be created. The goal when pain is experienced in these areas is to place the body back into alignment. In the case of people with true flat feet the goal is similar, to help the person place the feet into more of a shocking absorbing position by creating or supporting the arches in the feet. 

        The 360° Foot Care arch support series, Spira shoes and our foot care accessories can help you manage this condition. When correctly sized and the correct style arch support is selected, wearing the arch support will help to bring relief from these conditions. Additionally, wearing Spira shoes will absorb stress and take pressure off of the joints. Spira and 360° Foot Care arch supports is an effective combination.  Arch supports to be considered: the Ecstasy, Premier, and the Reflex. See the link How Arch Supports Work.  Individual results may vary

About the Author: Milton is Vice President of 360 Foot Care. A Certified Pedorthist, Milton is trained on the foot and feet conditions. Visit 360footcare.com to see more on various health conditions and the 360 Foot Care products that are available to help you in achieving your health goals.

360 FOOTCARE Website Disclaimer:
ATTENTION: This information is not intended as medical advice or solutions. The information is offered for educational purposes only. Only a certified medical practioner can diagnose medical conditions. You should always consult your medical practioner if you have questions about a medical issue. Always follow your medical professional’s advice.

Arch pain can result from a variety of issues. Lack of support for the arch can be a factor creating arch pain. Prolonged standing, walking or running can also create stress on the arch and ultimately cause arch pain. Over pronation stresses the muscles, tendons etc. of the foot. Minimizing stresses, providing support and absorbing shock can help you manage the problem.

Think of your arches like shock absorbers. A good performing arch will remain in an “arched’ position so long as you are off your feet (seated position, or resting). Once you stand you arch flattens or extends. One purpose for this action is to absorb stress off of your joints. However, long periods in a weight bearing position (i.e. standing or walking etc.) will make the muscles and tendons holding your arch, become stressed and over used. This is where a good arch support comes into play. A good, semi rigid, arch support will allow your arches to perform as needed.

The 360° Foot Care arch support series, Spira shoes and our foot care accessories are geared toward providing you with the tools needed to help manage your arch pain. When correctly sized and the correct style arch support is selected, wearing arch supports can help with alignment and pressure issues. Wearing Spira shoes can help absorb stress and take pressure off of the feet and joints. Spira and 360° arch supports are a great combination. Arch supports to be considered: the Ecstasy, Premier, and the Reflex. See the link 360° Foot Care Product line. Also, see our accessory, the Arch Exerciser. Individual results may vary.

About the Author: Milton is Vice President of 360 Foot Care. A Certified Pedorthist, Milton is trained on the foot and feet conditions.  Visit 360footcare.com to see more on various health conditions and the 360 Foot Care products that are available to help you in achieving your health goals.

360 FOOTCARE Website Disclaimer:
ATTENTION: This information is not intended as medical advice or solutions. The information is offered for educational purposes only. Only a certified medical practioner can diagnose medical conditions. You should always consult your medical practioner if you have questions about a medical issue. Always follow your medical professional’s advice.

     Arch supports tend to be the mid-way between the cushioned insert and the traditional very firm custom made orthotic. While arch supports can be soft and slightly more firm than an insert they can also reach the firmness of custom made orthotics. Usually, however, they are pretty much in the middle. Arch Supports are typically made of firm plastic (polymers) or rubber. They are made to achieve the affect of custom made orthotics but at a fraction of the cost. Arch Supports, generally will help people resolve many biomechanical problems without the need to obtain more expensive custom made orthotics. They are also easier to adjust to and will generally fit into shoes that custom orthotics will not. Arch Supports will generally work for problems like sore feet, sore arches, some joint pain in knees, hip and lower back, plantar fasciitis, heel pain and forefoot pain. Custom made orthotics are just that, custom made. Generally, in order to get custom orthotics, the customer / patient will need to have a doctor’s prescription. A mold is taken of the foot and the orthotic is fabricated with various degrees of wedge ankles in order to reposition the foot.

     In summary, know what you want or need. In most cases people benefit greatly from wearing the correct arch support. In fact, a large number of feet problems or feet related problems can be addressed with a good arch support. In more severe cases people may need to seek the advice of a physician and receive a prescription for custom made orthotics.

 About the Author: Milton is Vice President of 360 Foot Care. A Certified Pedorthist, Milton is trained on the foot and feet conditions.  Visit 360footcare.com to see more on various health conditions and the 360 Foot Care products that are available to help you in achieving your health goals.

360 FOOTCARE Website Discalimer:
ATTENTION: This information is not intended as medical advice or solutions. The information is offered for educational purposes only. Only a certified medical practioner can diagnose medical conditions. You should always consult your medical practioner if you have questions about a medical issue. Always follow your medical professional’s advice.