Arch pain and overpronation can cause problems for people of all ages and can even affect 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 avoidable, however many can be genetic. As recommended by the Cleveland Clinic, three of the avoidable causes for foot arch pain include pointed-toe heels, shoes that are too snug, and insufficient arch support . These ill-decided actions can all cause painful foot conditions like bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. The Mayo Clinic reports that 2 of the hereditary foot disorders that can cause overpronation and foot arch pain include low foot arches or arches that are excessively high. Here we explain some foot procedures that treat these conditions and how each of them can be resolved.

Arch support Can Prevent a Host of Serious Foot Problems

Some of the genetic foot conditions include either flat arches or abnormally raised arches. Both arch problems can affect anyone, including athletes. The result of a flat arch can be foot arch pain and overpronation because this injured part of the foot is not performing as it should. When this part of the foot malfunctions, foot pronation occurs which can cause a heel spur, a bony protuberance in the heel. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove the boneoutgrowth and relieve the dicomfort. The podiatrist 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 alternative for treating both types of arch problems so heel spurs can be avoided is by supplying the foot with appropriate arch support through orthotics.

When Bunion Removal Procedures are Necessary

Having a bunion removed, or a bunionectomy, is the process whereby the bone growth that appears to the side of the ball of the foot is severed to attain a more norma foot form and width. In more severe cases where the big toe has turned under the other toes, the podiatrist cuts a triangle-shaped wedge out of the bone in the big toe to reset it to its normal position. A single metal osteo screw is turned inside the bone to hold the new position in place. After about half a year, the screw is usually removed. Though this problem can happen because of pointed shoes, some bunion cases are inherited. Podiatrists agree that pointed-toe shoes that force the toes into an unnatural position can lead to bunions.

Overview of Hammertoe Treatment and Prevention

Shoes that crowd the foot, including pointed-toe shoes, can result in development of hammertoes. This problem can affect walkers and runners that wear tight shoes during activity as well. Hammertoes are, unfortunately, difficult to treat without surgical intervention. First, a podiatrist can try to tape the affected toe to try force it into a more natural placement. However, the patient must use shoes with a wider toe box in order for this method to succeed. Hammertoes can return if improper shoes are worn again. If forcing the toe straight with a splint fails, surgery is the lone alternative. The afflicted toe must have a part of the bone taken out to lessen the curvature of the toe. The recovery period is crucial, as patients who do not rest and elevate their feet as prescribed will not heal correctly. The prevention for this condition is to wear properly-fitting shoes.

No matter what lifestyle, genetic disposition, or age, foot conditions can happen to a fair number of people. Though foot procedures can surgically repair these problems, most of the time they are preventable through proper shoes and proper arch support .

Injuries incurred during sports activities are incidents that most coaches and athletes are familiar with. These injuries can not only be painful for the athlete, but in many cases can disable the entire team. An injured team member can hurt the outcome of games and can have lasting repercussions on the season as well. Just as one missing athlete affects a team, a hurt body part influences the entire body. Lower-leg conditions such as weak knee injuries, shin plints, and twisted ankles can be caused by bad form, lack of stretching, and too much use of the feet and lower legs. Cited by medical doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of athletes have to deal with shin splints at some time. Here's how to avoid and heal these painful problems, as well as preventing other frequent sports injuries.

The Mechanics of Shin Splints

There are many symptoms caused by shin splints such as pain in the front or side areas of the lower leg. This pain can be dramatic and excruciating, especially when applying pressure on the affected leg. Increased swollen muscle tissue can make the leg feel taut as well as make tissues appear swollen around the muscles. No matter what type of activity, from running to football any athlete can suffer from these conditions. Treatment for shin splints should be commenced within minutes to jump-start the tissue repair process. Shin splints treatment recommended by sports injury specialists includes rest, elevation, and icing of the affected area for 1 - 2 days. Continued physical therapy and preventive exercises include lower leg weight bearing moves and stretching of the Achilles tendon and the group of long muscles that run from the knee to the ankle.

Twisting Injuries: How Weak Muscles Affect the Tendons and Ligaments

Another type of injury that is seen in impact sports is twisting of the ankle and knee. This is caused by either a blunt-force injury, which cannot be averted, or from weak muscles of the ankle, lower leg, and knee. Weakened muscles can be remedied with lifting weights or sports therapy-approved exercises that target the knee and ankle. Weak muscles lead to tendons and ligaments that cannot hold the bones and muscles together tightly so that simple movements or athletic activities can cause twisting injuries. Another effective measure for stopping these types of injuries are to provide the feet with the ideal amount of arch support. This can be accomplished with the use of orthotic shoe inserts made especially for athletic activities. The medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic also recommend taping the arch for extra arch support during athletic activity.

How Tearing Injuries Happen

Rupturing of the tendons and ligaments are also typical kinds of sports-related injuries. This is most commonly found in the Achilles tendon and anterior cruciate ligament. An Achilles injury is generally caused by a lack of flexibility in the heel tendon due to inadequate stretching technique. This is a vital part in the stretching routine that must be taken seriously. Slow stretches without force are recommended for athletes prior to activity. Kinesiologists recommend a 30 second stretch, releasing for a few seconds, and then repeating the stretch. ACL (Anterior cruciate ligaments) are found in the knee and help hold the knee structure together. Injuries to this area can be averted by strengthening the knee and lower leg through leg curls and leg extensions. Orthotic insoles can help avert both of these kinds of injuries by giving proper arch support, alignment of the feet, and cushion.