What are Arch Supports?
Arch supports are typically insoles that are placed inside shoes to provide additional support for the arch of the foot. They help to distribute pressure evenly across the foot and provide relief for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ball of foot pain, arch pain, heel pain, flat feet, and knee pain.
Arch supports can be made from a range of materials, including foam and gel, and can be tailored to specific foot conditions. They work by providing additional cushioning and support to help reduce strain on the arch of the foot and alleviate discomfort during activities such as standing, walking, or running.
How Effective are Arch Supports?
Arch supports are very effective in providing relief from foot pain, particularly for those with flat feet or fallen arches. They minimise pain and discomfort by providing additional support and stability to the arch of the foot.
High quality, ready-made insoles can provide enough support to make a real difference to those suffering from foot pain. Supportive shoes and insoles have been used to enhance everyday comfort and have been met with very positive results!
Which Foot Conditions Can Arch Supports Help With?
Arch support shoes and insoles can help with a wide range of foot conditions, and FootActive’s own arch support insoles are recommended and approved by the NHS. So, let's have a look into how they work to relieve pain from some of the most common foot problems:
Arch Support for Plantar Fasciitis/Arch Pain
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel pain and discomfort. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as overuse, high-impact activities (like running or jumping), or even wearing shoes with inadequate support.
One way to alleviate the heel pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis, is by wearing arch support shoes. These shoes are designed with an elevated section in the middle of the sole that supports your arch and helps distribute weight evenly across your foot.
Arch support footwear can also help correct any biomechanical issues that may have contributed to your Plantar Fasciitis in the first place. For example, if you have flat feet or suffer from over-pronation (inward rolling of the ankles) while walking, these shoes can help realign your foot and ankle into a more natural position.
Alternatively, you can invest in arch support insoles for Plantar Fasciitis to add to your existing footwear. This works in the same way, but it's still important to wear shoes and orthopaedic slippers which provide enough support, particularly if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis or any other painful foot condition.
Arch Support for Heel Pain
Similarly to Plantar Fasciitis (a kind of heel pain), arch supports can help with heel pain of all kinds, by providing additional support and stability to the foot to alleviate pressure on the heel. By providing arch support, the foot is better positioned to absorb shock and reduce the impact on the heel, ultimately helping to alleviate heel pain.
Arch Support for Flat Feet
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing pain and discomfort. Normally, the foot has an arch along the inner side (medial longitudinal arch), which helps distribute body weight and provides spring-like support during movement. However, in individuals with flat feet, this arch is either partially or completely collapsed.
Arch supports for flat feet work by providing additional support and structure to the arch of the foot. They help to lift and support the arch, providing relief from pain and helping to distribute weight more evenly. By providing this added support, arch supports can help to alleviate pain and improve overall foot function for individuals with flat feet.
Additionally, arch supports can also help to prevent issues such as plantar fasciitis and other foot problems that may arise from having flat feet.
Arch Support for Knee Pain
The cause of knee pain can vary, from minor injuries (from overuse) to chronic conditions. Osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain, which is a degenerative condition which causes a breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint.
Arch supports work for knee pain by providing additional support to the feet, which in turn helps to correct the alignment of the body. When the arch of the foot is properly supported, it reduces strain on the knees by effectively distributing weight. This can help alleviate knee pain caused by poor biomechanics or overuse.
Arch supports can also help to improve the overall stability and alignment of the lower body, reducing the risk of further knee injuries. By providing support and cushioning to the arch of the foot, arch supports can help to relieve pressure on the knees and promote proper alignment, ultimately reducing knee pain.
Arch Support for Over-pronation
Over-0pronation is a common biomechanical issue where the foot rolls inwards, causing the arch of the foot to collapse and the ankle to tilt inward. This inward motion can result in various foot and lower limb problems due to the misalignment of the joints and the increased stress placed on certain structures.
Arch support can help by providing extra support to the arch of the foot, helping to correct the alignment and reducing the amount of inward rolling. This can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues related to over-pronation.
By providing targeted support where you need it most, arch support shoes can relieve pressure on your feet and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like Plantar Fasciitis. So why suffer through unnecessary pain? Invest in quality footwear today!
Should You Wear Arch Supports all the Time?
Many people who suffer from various foot conditions find that wearing insoles all the time — even in slippers at home — helps to alleviate pain the most effectively.
Wearing arch supports all the time is crucial for maintaining foot health and alleviating discomfort, especially if you have flat feet, high arches, or experience foot pain.
Arch supports provide continuous support, preventing over-pronation and misalignment, while distributing weight evenly across the foot.
How Long Does It Take for Arch Supports to Work?
Arch support insoles can sometimes reduce foot pain instantly when you wear them. Having said this, it can sometimes take a couple of weeks to fully get used to wearing orthotic insoles, and for your feet to adjust to the support.
For more severe conditions like Plantar Fasciitis or structural abnormalities, it may take longer for the benefits of arch supports to become noticeable, as they work to gradually correct biomechanical issues and provide support to the affected areas.
How Do I Know if I Need Arch Support?
The biggest indicator of whether you require arch support insoles or orthopaedic shoes is any discomfort you are experiencing. You should always seek advice from a medical professional if you have more severe foot pain, and they should be able to diagnose the issue, and will likely recommend arch support as a solution.
What are the Best Shoes for Foot Pain?
When shopping for arch support shoes, look for those with a deep heel cup, a firm midsole, and ample arch support. Additionally, consider opting for sustainable footwear made from eco-friendly materials like recycled rubber or organic cotton.
Remember that investing in quality footwear can be one of the most effective ways to alleviate Plantar Fasciitis and other foot-related problems. So don't let heel pain keep you down — try out some arch support shoes today!