The design of a person’s feet can vary from one to the next. This is why it is hard for those with high arches or flat feet to find comfort with typical shoes. Their feet aren’t the same as the typical design, and that can cause pain and discomfort for them. Some people are born with a high arch or flatter feet, but that doesn’t mean you just have to deal with it. For others, the issues develop as they get older due to injuries or health problems.
Identifying the type of feet you have is a good place to start. This can help you select the right shoes to wear. Overall comfort should be the most important thing when you buy shoes. There are inserts you can buy to go inside them if you need to help modify the support to give your feet additional comfort and support. Sometimes, custom created ones from a professional will be necessary to get enough of an improvement.
Arch Height
Discovering your arch height is something you can do at home. This can help you determine if your arch is average or high. It only takes a few minutes and you will need to complete the process when your feet are wet. Place a piece of cardboard by the shower so you can step on it when you get out. This will create wet footprints that show your arch.
There are free charts you can access online to show you the images of various arch heights. Select the one that is closest to what you see in those wet footprints. Pay close attention if you see there is a vast difference in the arch of one foot compared to the other. This is a strong indicator you should see a professional. They can customize inserts for each foot to give you the most value and comfort.
Pain Associated With A High Arch
If you often experience foot pain or aching, it can be connected to your high arch. If the arch is stiff or you have pain in your calf area it is time to see a doctor. If you have corns or calluses do what you can to reduce them as they can cause changes to your arch. High arches can put too much strain and tension on certain areas of the foot. This can cause foot pain, heel pain, and even lower back pain. There are some individuals that also feel the pain around their knees, all because of high arches.
The Right Insoles
Take your time shopping for insoles when you have high arches. They aren’t going to help much if they aren’t right for the shape of your feet. Look for those with good feedback and made from durable materials. They should be easy to cut and shape to fit inside of your shoes. The support should be firm and offered both at the arch and the heel.
If over the counter insoles don’t offer you enough relief from the pain due to high arches, it is time to see your doctor. They can help you obtain those that specifically work the best for your shape of feet. This is going to help you feel better when you walk and when you stand. High arches are common but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with them causing you pain.
Flat Feet
Some individuals have the opposite problem; they have almost no arch at all. This makes it harder for them to have the natural support feet need. It can cause fatigue and various levels of pain. It can increase the risk of falls and injuries due to the feet being out of balance. When you conduct the wet test, you may see you have almost no arch at all. If that is the case, you have flat feet.
Pain in the heel is common when a person has flat feet. Insoles offering support at the arch and the heel are a good way to reduce the problem. Avoid those that are cushioned as you need a firmer option. You need something that gives you plenty of support while being comfortable at the same time. The insoles should be made from quality material so they last a long time.
