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Soothe Your Painful Feet With These 3 Therapy Options for Low Arches

6th February, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Massage and exercise therapy helps persons recovering from major injuries to get back their vigor and dexterity. However, even in the case of lower body injuries and painful foot ailments; physical therapy can supply significant relief. When orthotic insoles and staying off the feet fail to relieve the pain as needed, it’s time to take a closer look at what may be injured in the feet. It’s a good idea to see your foot doctor to have X-Rays taken and to have a consultation. However, once that’s finished, some very effective foot therapy exercises can give relief to soothe the discomfort. Below you will find three effective alternatives that can be helpful in these cases.

Plantar Fasciitis Can Be Relieved the Right Exercises

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most uncomfortable foot problems to suffer from. This disorder, if not taken care of properly, can be conducive to the development of extra bone protrusions that can invade nerves, muscles, and tendons, causing sharp pains in the foot. Though athletes and dancers frequently suffer from this injury, anyone can experience plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis therapy may include a surgical procedure to sever the bone spur that has occurred inside of the foot. Though a surgical procedure sometimes cannot be avoided due to the extent of the condition, physical therapy can be started to alleviate the pain and hopefully allow the bone and tissues to heal properly. According to physical therapists, a stretching exercise known as the “Gastroc Stretch” can help”provide significant relief. This consists of standing and flexing the front portion of the foot towards the face, such as on a wedge or ramp. Then, with your legs straightened, lean the body forward slightly to allow for a full stretch.

Painful Foot Conditions Can Be Caused From Low Arches

Treatment for flat feet is necessary when an individual has flattened arches and does not use adequate arch support in their shoes. Appropriate support can be provided to the foot by wearing orthotic insoles. For treating flat feet, the foot should be checked by a podiatrist immediately if acute aching of the foot arches or stabbing heel discomfort take place. After the exam has been finished, ultrasound therapy has been shown to be helpful in resolving this painful condition. Given that the problem with flat feet is an overstretched arch that is flattened, the therapeutic treatment can involve massage, which can make feet feel better and heal more quickly. Orthotics worn in the shoes will help rectify the problem.

What to Do When Foot Pronation Causes Foot Pain

Pronation is a foot’s normal motion during running, walking, and jumping.However, when the foot tends towards the outside (under-pronation) or instead tends inside (over-pronation), problems can ensue. In the latter, the arch receives the full impact of the body’s load and can flatten over time as well as cause plantar fasciitis. Using orthotic insoles is the ideal treatment for atypical over-pronation, and can aid the foot heal if the problem was not treated for a long time. Regarding physical therapy, exercises to strengthen your arches such as standing on tip-toes and flexing the foot while seated can help. See your podiatrist if pain persists.
Our feet are a part of every activity we engage in. Caring for your feet is one of the smartest things you can do for your health in general.