Over the years, shoe manufacturers have started designing new types of shoes that look good and stylish. Men and women are seen buying the trendy new-age shoes that become narrower at the tip. A majority of people especially women love to buy high heels to wear them in a party or at other events. Evolution of the shoe industry is not something that needs to be talked about since every industry has gone through such a phase. However, the main point of discussion here is the rising number of foot problems. Foot problems are affecting the health of both men and women. The New York Times found about 75% of the Americans suffering from foot pain at some time in their lives. Most foot pain is caused due to wearing tight fitting shoes that exert too much pressure on the foot making the foot lose balance or get curled. Particularly, pointed-toe shoes, high-heels are the main cause of a majority of foot diseases.
The foot is made of 26 bones and 33 joints with more than 120 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Feet help us to walk, run, and stand. They provide support and act as a shock absorber. Foot also helps us to maintain balance by adjusting the body to uneven surfaces. Since our foot is much smaller in size compared to our body, the impact of each stride exerts excessive pressure on the foot. This force is about 50% greater than an average person’s body weight. During a typical day, an average adult takes 4000 to 6000 steps every day.
An online study has also found around 75% to 80% of the adult population have some form of foot problem, while 44 million working days are lost each year due to back pain. Another interesting finding is that women have approximately four times more foot problems than men; the major factor been wearing of high heel shoes. Also, the feet have 250,000 sweat glands per square inch that leads to giving off about half a pint of perspiration per day from the pair.
Although our foot is smaller in size, yet the importance of foot cannot be undervalued. When walking, the feet carry roughly 1½ times of the body weight while it increases to around 3-4 times during running. So, wearing tight-fitted shoes during a typical day can cause a number of foot problems in men and women forcing people to take bed rest and unable to attend office or other vital activities for prolonged period of time.
It is important to remember not all feet are equal. This can be properly noticed by taking the foot print of each family member or of your friends. There are flat foot where a lot portion of the heel and forefoot can be seen. If there is minimal contact of the midfoot between heel and forefoot, the person has a high arched foot. An outline in between is considered to be a neutral foot.
The foot is made of 26 bones and 33 joints with more than 120 muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Feet help us to walk, run, and stand. They provide support and act as a shock absorber. Foot also helps us to maintain balance by adjusting the body to uneven surfaces. Since our foot is much smaller in size compared to our body, the impact of each stride exerts excessive pressure on the foot. This force is about 50% greater than an average person’s body weight. During a typical day, an average adult takes 4000 to 6000 steps every day.
An online study has also found around 75% to 80% of the adult population have some form of foot problem, while 44 million working days are lost each year due to back pain. Another interesting finding is that women have approximately four times more foot problems than men; the major factor been wearing of high heel shoes. Also, the feet have 250,000 sweat glands per square inch that leads to giving off about half a pint of perspiration per day from the pair.
Although our foot is smaller in size, yet the importance of foot cannot be undervalued. When walking, the feet carry roughly 1½ times of the body weight while it increases to around 3-4 times during running. So, wearing tight-fitted shoes during a typical day can cause a number of foot problems in men and women forcing people to take bed rest and unable to attend office or other vital activities for prolonged period of time.
It is important to remember not all feet are equal. This can be properly noticed by taking the foot print of each family member or of your friends. There are flat foot where a lot portion of the heel and forefoot can be seen. If there is minimal contact of the midfoot between heel and forefoot, the person has a high arched foot. An outline in between is considered to be a neutral foot.
Flat Foot (Pronation)
It is a foot that rolls inward roughly 15% or more and flattens (pronates), placing increased stress on the inner foot structures. It is a flexible foot that provides decreased stability during walking. Overpronation creates stabilizing problems of the body and doesn’t absorb shock properly. Calluses can be seen frequently under the base of the second and the third toes and under the big toe. If the person is wearing shoes on a flat surface, the shoe may tilt inward. Other common problems include metatarsal stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, patellar pain, and hip pain.
Proper Shoe
People with a flat foot should start wearing motion control shoe which is heavier, less flexible shoes. Such footwear will limit excessive inward motion and helps to stabilize the foot for proper running, walking or even standing.
The midsole is that part of the sole which provides most of the headrest and support. A motion control shoe midsole is made of dual density material that is denser on the inside at the arch and heel.
A motion control shoe typically has a lasting board, with a straight or semi-curved last shape. The shoe takes a curvature shape because of the heavy midsole and outer sole. The heel counter which is the area surrounding the heel is made very firm to squeeze for providing maximum stability to the heel.
Proper Shoe
People with a flat foot should start wearing motion control shoe which is heavier, less flexible shoes. Such footwear will limit excessive inward motion and helps to stabilize the foot for proper running, walking or even standing.
The midsole is that part of the sole which provides most of the headrest and support. A motion control shoe midsole is made of dual density material that is denser on the inside at the arch and heel.
A motion control shoe typically has a lasting board, with a straight or semi-curved last shape. The shoe takes a curvature shape because of the heavy midsole and outer sole. The heel counter which is the area surrounding the heel is made very firm to squeeze for providing maximum stability to the heel.
High Arched Foot (Supinator)
A high arched foot tends to be a more rigid and less flexible putting more pressure on the outside part of the foot. The foot is less prone to shock absorption, as such during walking or running, more force is transmitted up to the leg and to the knees. Calluses are more common in this type of shoes that usually appear along the outer edge of the foot to the base of the fifth toe. If a person with high arched foot stands on a flat surface, his shoes will tilt outward. Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and increased stress are some common problems with this kind of foot.
Proper Shoe
A high arched foot benefits mainly from a thick cushioned shoe that provides maximum shock absorption. It reduces the amount of impact on the upper part of the legs.
The midsole of these shoes are much softer, more flexible and made of single density material providing more comfort and stress-free. The last board is a slip last, with a curved or semi-curved last shape.
Proper Shoe
A high arched foot benefits mainly from a thick cushioned shoe that provides maximum shock absorption. It reduces the amount of impact on the upper part of the legs.
The midsole of these shoes are much softer, more flexible and made of single density material providing more comfort and stress-free. The last board is a slip last, with a curved or semi-curved last shape.
Neutral Foot
This foot structure is most desirable. The foot of the person pronates, or rolls inward initially but as soon as the person starts walking, the foot adjusts pressure and provides stability. The neutral foot therefore provides shock absorption and stability at the appropriate time. The chance of developing calluses is minimal in case of a neutral foot.
Proper Shoe
The neutral foot benefits from a shoe that offers maximum stability. The footwear has a midsole made of dual density material to provide cushioning as well as pronation control. The lasting board has a semi-curved shape.
Orthosis
Sometimes in spite of wearing the best footwear, you still tend to suffer from one or more foot problems. In such a case, orthosis may be useful to provide additional support or control to your foot. Orthosis replace the existing insole of the shoes. There are orthosis that provide only additional headrest while there are also other over-the-counter products that provide some control of motion. Orthosis should be worn only after talking with a podiatrist.
Sport Specific Footwear
There are shoes particularly designed for the athletes or those participating in a sporting event for more than thrice a week. For example, to play basketball, you require a firmer sole while for running you need shoes with shock absorption feature. Sports like soccer, rugby, etc. require shoes providing good lateral support for quick change of direction.
Flip flops
People with flat feet are advised not to wear flip flops since they provide no support. For someone with high arches, many flip flops offer minimal cushioning. Continued standing or walking in flip flops may cause pain in the feet, ankles, or legs.
Article Provided By MBT UK Physiological Footwear .For more updates about MBT follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
Proper Shoe
The neutral foot benefits from a shoe that offers maximum stability. The footwear has a midsole made of dual density material to provide cushioning as well as pronation control. The lasting board has a semi-curved shape.
Orthosis
Sometimes in spite of wearing the best footwear, you still tend to suffer from one or more foot problems. In such a case, orthosis may be useful to provide additional support or control to your foot. Orthosis replace the existing insole of the shoes. There are orthosis that provide only additional headrest while there are also other over-the-counter products that provide some control of motion. Orthosis should be worn only after talking with a podiatrist.
Sport Specific Footwear
There are shoes particularly designed for the athletes or those participating in a sporting event for more than thrice a week. For example, to play basketball, you require a firmer sole while for running you need shoes with shock absorption feature. Sports like soccer, rugby, etc. require shoes providing good lateral support for quick change of direction.
Flip flops
People with flat feet are advised not to wear flip flops since they provide no support. For someone with high arches, many flip flops offer minimal cushioning. Continued standing or walking in flip flops may cause pain in the feet, ankles, or legs.
Article Provided By MBT UK Physiological Footwear .For more updates about MBT follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.