Blog

Flat feet and knee pain? Here's why it happens and what you can do about it

Arches are a normal part of your feet’s anatomy. However, some people’s arches don’t fully develop during childhood, or they can collapse during adulthood. These phenomena can cause flat feet. Pain is not always associated with flat feet, but it can be a common symptom, mainly because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs. For those who do feel pain due to having flat feet, it is often found in the ankles and knees. According to research, some knee pain is directly associated with flat feet and collapsed arches. What can you do about flat feet and knee pain? Without intact arches, a person’s body weight can be distributed unevenly. This can cause joints like the knees to...

Sep 12, 2022

3 qualities that the best shoes for fibromyalgia pain have in common

Fibromyalgia is a painful chronic condition that affects about 10 million people in the U.S. A person with fibromyalgia may live with constant, full-body pain. While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, it can occur due to overactive and sensitive nerve receptors in the body. It is often found in those with autoimmune issues like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Fibromyalgia symptoms can include: Cloudy thoughts or difficulty concentrating. Pain and stiffness all over the body. Fatigue. Depression and anxiety. Sleep problems. Headaches. Fibromyalgia patients can try a variety of techniques to manage pain and increase their quality of life. Wearing proper shoes can make a big difference in patients’ daily lives, increasing mobility and limiting overall pain while walking....

Sep 06, 2022

3 reasons custom orthotics are a perfect gift for back pain sufferers

About 54% of Americans have reported having chronic back pain for five years or longer. Even minor alignment issues in the feet can lead to chronic back discomfort. In fact, foot complications can be major causes of back pain. Problems like foot pronation, flat feet and arthritis can lead to misalignments that strain the back. The feet and back are linked by chains of ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Orthotics can support problematic feet and alleviate back pain by extension. If you know someone who suffers from back pain, orthotics can be a practical gift to help ease their discomfort. 3 reasons custom orthotics can be the best gift for back pain sufferers Orthotics have not only been shown to improve...

Sep 01, 2022

Arthritis in your big toe? Here’s what you should know

Having arthritis in your big toe can make life hard. Even if you’re not a long-distance runner, arthritis pain can get so bad that sometimes it’s hard to be on your feet at all. If you think you might have big-toe arthritis or know you have it and want treatment suggestions, keep reading. Symptoms of arthritis in the big toe Here are some symptoms to keep an eye out for if you think you might have arthritis: Tenderness in your toe’s joints — The word “arthritis” is an umbrella term that encompasses around 100 rheumatic illnesses and conditions, but all these conditions are likely to cause joint pain when left untreated. Swelling — Arthritic inflammation can cause swelling in the...

Aug 15, 2022

4 things that can trigger pain in the arch of your foot and ankle after running

Running is great for your health, but it can really hurt your feet. If you’ve ever experienced a screaming pain in the arch of your foot and ankle after running, you know what I’m talking about. Every wonder why that happens? Well, there are a few possible reasons. We’ll get into them below and discuss how you can address those issues. Why do I feel pain in the arch of my foot and ankle after running? Here are a few common reasons why people feel arch and ankle pain after a long (or even short) run: 1. Plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis occurs when your plantar fascia — the ligament spanning the length of your foot — becomes inflamed or injured....

Aug 08, 2022

3 features you'll find in the best shoes for sciatica nerve pain

Sciatica is a painful condition that can have a big impact on your daily life. It typically occurs when a bone spur or herniated disc pushes against your sciatic nerve, causing inflammation in your leg or lower back. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for sciatica, so a great thing to do if you’re in pain is to call a physical therapist in your area. However, changing your footwear may also help to reduce your sciatica pain. In fact, your PT will likely recommend you get some sciatica-friendly shoes (or inserts) as part of your treatment plan. Below, we’ll talk about three features shared by all the best shoes for sciatica nerve pain. Looking for the best shoes for sciatica...

Aug 01, 2022

Can custom orthotics help ease your SI joint pain?

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located where your lower spine and pelvis connect. SI joint pain is felt in the low back and buttocks, and is often accompanied by pain in one or both legs. Joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or bursitis can often be the cause of SI joint pain. However, the causes of SI joint pain can be difficult to diagnose due to how much it resembles symptoms of other musculoskeletal conditions. If you are suffering from chronic SI joint pain, there are better options out there than reaching for a bottle of pain medication. Multiple studies have shown that joint pain in the lower back, hips and knees are often caused by problems that start...

Jun 13, 2022

What can happen to your knee, ankle and foot when you add orthotics to your shoes?

A recent study was undertaken by researchers at Harvard Medical School to determine if there was a relation between foot pain and pain in the lower extremity joints. This includes the ankles, hips and knees. What they found was a significant link between foot pain and knee pain. "The foot is the foundation of the body," the study reported, which was published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "If the foundation is not sound, it could have a deleterious effect on the joints above the foot and ankle, namely the knee and the hip." Knee, ankle and foot pain can lead to a dramatic shift in your quality of life. Activities that you once found easy and...

Jun 06, 2022

5 foot conditions you should use full-length custom orthotics for

Our feet and ankles are two of the most complex areas of the body. Our feet are home to 26 bones each, along with an elaborate network of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The feet and ankles are connected to the muscles in our legs, our hips, and even our lower back. So, when a foot condition causes us difficulty, it affects more than just our ability to walk. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, lower back pain, knee inflammation and hip pain have all been linked to common foot conditions. Your physician or physical therapist can determine whether your aches and pains are related to problems with your feet and ankles. If so, then full-length custom...

Jun 02, 2022
« 1 2 3 4 5 … 32 »