What Most Podiatrists Recommend for Arch Pain or Overpronation

Arch pain and over-pronation can cause problems for people in every stage of life and can even distress an athlete's performance in every way. For those who suffer from this type of pain, there are 3 likely causes that many people may not even know about. Most of the causes are easily averted, however some can be inherited. Reported by the Cleveland Clinic, three of the easily averted causes for arch pain include high heel shoes, tightly-fitting footwear, and lack of arch support . These poor decisions can all bring on painful foot disorders like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic has found that 2 of the hereditary foot disorders that can bring on over-pronation and arch pain include low foot arches or arches that are markedly high. Here are some common foot procedures that fix these disorders and how each of them can be helped.

Bunions Aren't Always Hereditary

Bunion removal, or a bunionectomy, is the process whereby the bump of bone just below the big toe is shaved down to obtain a more natural foot profile and width. In more severe cases where the big toe has situated itself under the other toes, the foot doctor cuts a triangle-shaped block out of the big toe's bone to reset it to its original state. One screw is used to hold the bone's new position. After about 6 to 7 months, the screw is usually removed. Though this condition can be brought on by pointed shoes, sometimes people are born with the tendency to form bunions. Foot specialists warn that shoes with little space force the toes into an abnormal position can bring on bunions.

Overview of Heel Spur Relief Procedures

Some of the inherited foot disorders include either flat arches or excessively high arches. Arch malformations such as these affect normal and active people alike. The result of a flat arch can be arch pain and over-pronation because this injured part of the foot is not working as it should. When this foot area fails to support the body's weight, foot overpronation occurs which can bring on a heel spur, a bony protrusion in the heel. Surgery is sometimes necessary to remove the bonespur and relieve the pain. The specialist will use a bone saw to cut away the extra spur of bone to take away the inflammation and pain it had been causing. The best answer for treating both types of arch disorders so heel spurs can be prevented is by supplying the foot with normal arch support through arch lifting shoes.

Without Proper Shoes, Painful Hammertoes Can Occur

Shoes that crowd the foot, including pointed-toe shoes, can result in development of hammertoes. This condition can affect walkers and runners that wear tight shoes during activity as well. Hammertoes are, sadly, difficult to address without surgical intervention. First, a foot doctor can try to straighten the affected toe to try and coax it into a more appropriate position. In order for this method to work, wider shoes must be worn form that point on. Hammertoes can recur if the same type of shoes are worn again. If splinting the toe is unsuccessful, surgery is the only option. The afflicted toe must have a portion of the bone taken out to lessen its bend. The recovery period is vital, as patients who refuse to stay off their feet as suggested will fail to mend properly. The way to prevent this condition is to wear well-fitted shoes.

Regardless of lifestyle, genetic disposition, or age, foot conditions can happen to a large percentage of patients. Though foot procedures can surgically repair these problems, most of the time they are preventable through proper shoes and appropriate arch support.

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