Do I Need Arch Support in My Shoes?
This is a question that many people ask. The best answer is that if you don’t have pain with walking, running or the activity of your choice, the answer is probably no. On the other hand, if you do have foot or ankle pain, then arch support in your shoes may be helpful. This can be accomplished by getting shoes with built in arch support or getting inserts (orthotics) to put in your shoes to provide arch support.
The arch in your foot is a support system. It acts like a shock absorber for your lower extremity when you are weight bearing (standing, walking or running). When the shock absorbing system is not working, forces through your foot may not be controlled adequately and lead to problems and pain. When you are in pain, the support system can often benefit from some outside help. This is where purchasing a shoe with a built in arch or using orthotics can make a difference.
People that have flat or high arches are more prone to foot or ankle pain. Flat feet or fallen arches are most common with people that have foot/ankle pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common painful foot/ankle condition that people deal with. Motion control/stability shoes can help support the structures in your feet that are not adequately supporting your foot and ankle. Motion control/stability shoes should be tested by walking with them in the store before you buy them. The most comfortable ones are probably the best choice.
Off the shelf or custom orthotics can also support those structures that are failing. Off the shelf orthotics are often the most cost effective option to start with. You can actually go in to the store with your shoes and put the orthotics in your shoes to test them out by walking in the store. There are numerous brands of these off the shelf orthotics. At Orthopedic & Spine Therapy, we recommend trying: PowerStep, Superfeet or Spenco. They usually come with different levels of support (low, medium and high). You should choose the one that feels best while walking in the store.
If you think you need more help in choosing the best footwear or need to address issues such as weakness or tightness in your lower extremities that are causing pain, you should consult with a physical therapist or podiatrist to get to the root of the problem. Our therapists at Orthopedic & Spine Therapy would be glad to help you out.
Key Take Aways:
- The arch in your foot acts as a support system and shock absorber for your lower extremity.
- If your arch is not working properly, you may develop problems and pain.
- Arch support can be helpful with controlling forces through your foot/ankle.
- Shoes with a built in arch and orthotics can be very helpful if you are experiencing pain.
- Consult with a physical therapist or podiatrist for help with foot and ankle pain.
By: Rob Busse, Physical Therapist, PT, MS, CMTPT
Rob Busse works at Orthopedic & Spine Therapy’s Oshkosh location. Rob’s favorite part of being a physical therapist is working one-on-one with his patients and getting the opportunity to know each person individually. “I really enjoy the variety of people I get to meet and work with. I focus on being a good listener so I can better understand our patient’s problems and concerns. I look at the patient-therapist relationship as a team. Part of my job is to motivate each patient to get actively involved in their own care.” Rob has been working in outpatient orthopedics for OST for over 25 years. He has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of spinal injuries and dysfunction. He uses an eclectic approach with most patients that includes manual therapy, often dry needling, and various forms of exercise. Rob has advanced training as a Work Solutions Therapist and in ergonomics. Rob is an avid runner. He is active in a local running club, and takes pride in helping injured runners get back to what they love to do. Rob and his wife Kathy have three grown children. They enjoy traveling and getting the family together to grill out in the backyard. Click here to learn more about Rob.