Knowing Your Feet

A car performs poorly when its springs have metal fatigue or its shock absorbers are worn-out.This results in an uncomfortable ride, tires that wear unevenly, and, eventually, structural damage involving the suspension, engine mounts and frame. A car’s springs/ shocks don’t repair themselves. The damage
will continue unless the springs/ shocks are supplemented or replaced. The arches of a person’s feet are their springs/shocks. They, too, need periodic inspection andmaintenance.Just as the balance and the ride of a loaded automobile depend upon its suspension, the standing body relies upon the strength and integrity of its foot arches for its balance and alignment.

Role of Arches

Normal foot arches are strong and springy. They hold the shape of the foot, balance the body and acts as shock absorbers. The long arch raises and tilts the inside of the foot to ensure proper body balance over the center of the foot, while the side ways arch stabilizes the front of the foot and prevents the toe bones from rubbing.

Arch structure is genetic. Although arch-related problems are more common in people with low arches, they frequently develop in people with normal or high arches depending upon how they are used. Movements muscle of shins, thighs, hips and back normally only fine-tune balance. If arches sag or go flat, they must hold the body in balance over the feet as well as perform their regular work. As a result, they become strained and prone to injury. Common Types of Arch-related problems include:

Foot pain

The foot bones are held in their arched shape by a webbed strapping. When the strapping tears under the heel, pain and inflammation results (plantar fascitis).Healing occurs at night. Re-tearing comes with getting up or with extra hard usage. Repeated tearing and healing create heel spurs.

Ankle Sprain

When arches low and fat, the ankle ligaments are stretched and become vulnerable to tearing (sprain). Meanwhile, the overactive shin muscles cause the foot to twist (to be continue)