Athletes Beware: Overpronation and Arch Pain Cannot Be Ignored

Foot arch pain and overpronation can cause issues for people in every stage of life and can even influence an athlete's performance on the court, field, or track. Three causes of this type of pain may be surprising to some who aren't aware of them. Most of the causes are preventable, however several can be hereditary. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 3 of the preventable causes for arch pain include poor selection of shoe style, improper fit, and deficient arch support . These ill-decided actions can all bring on painful foot disorders like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic cites that 2 of the hereditary foot disorders that can bring on overpronation and arch pain include fallen arches or arches that are too high. Here are some common foot procedures that treat these disorders and how each of them can be helped.

Arch support Can Prevent a Host of Serious Foot Problems

Some of the hereditary foot disorders include either fallen arches or excessively high arches. Both types of arch disorders can affect the average person as well as an active athlete. The result of a fallen arch can be arch pain and overpronation because this injured part of the foot is not performing as it should. When this part of the foot malfunctions, overpronation occurs which can bring on a heel spur, a bony protrusion in the heel. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the bonespur and relieve the irritation. The surgeon will use a bone saw to cut away the superfluous bone which will eliminate the irritation, tearing, and swelling it had been causing. The best answer for treating both types of arch problems so heel spurs can be avertws is by providing the foot with appropriate foot arch support through athletic insoles.

Arch Pain Can Be the First Sign of Bunion Formation

Having a bunion removed, or a bunionectomy, is the process through which the bony bump just above the arch is shaved down to attain a more standard foot shape and width. In more severe cases where the big toe has situated itself under the other toes, the surgeon 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 taken out of the bone. Despite the fact that this condition can happen because of pointed shoes, sometimes people are born with the tendency to form bunions. Foot specialists warn that tight shoes that force the toes into a crowded position can lead to bunions.

Without Proper Shoes, Painful Hammertoes Can Occur

Hammertoes can be brought on by pointy shoes or footwear that is snug. This condition can affect athletes that wear snug shoes during exercise as well. Hammertoes are, unfortunately, difficult to fix without surgery. First, a surgeon can try to tape 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 ill-fitting shoes are worn again. If taping the toe straight does not work, surgery is the only option. The malformed toe must have a section of the bone surgically removed to minimize its bend. The recovery period is crucial, as patients who do not remain off the affected foot as recommended will not restore appropriately. The way to prevent this condition is to wear roomy shoes.

No matter what lifestyle, genetic disposition, or age, foot disorders can occur in a large percentage of people. Though foot procedures can surgically repair these disorders, most of the time they are preventable through proper shoes and suitable arch support .