Our feet are the foundation of our entire body. If this foundation gets misaligned or functions poorly, the effects can be felt throughout our body, whether in muscle or joint pain or through more serious injuries. Over 65% of the population suffers from either overpronation or excessive supination, yet most of us are unaware of our own foot type and how it affects the rest of our body. There is a good correlation between arch-type and gait (i.e. whether you overpronate, supinate or whether a neutral runner). If you don't know your arch-type or if you're not sure, you can do the wet foot test to find out. All you need is a bowl of water and a newspaper. Stand in the bowl of water for a few seconds and then stand on the newspaper. Then look at your footprint. Then check how similar your footprint looks to our images below. Did you ever know whether you have feet with a medium arch, a low arch or a high arch? If you do, then you compare your feet to the three foot arch types. You should always know your arch type whenever you plan to get a sports insole for yourself.
Medial Arch:
When we talk about our arches, we most often refer to the medial longitudinal arch. Spanning the heel to ball of foot, its main function is to distribute body weight and absorb shock. Medium arches are often biomechanically efficient but still can be susceptible to most common foot problems such as heel pain or ball-of-foot discomfort. High, low or collapsed, medial arches disrupt the distribution of body weight across the foot, impairing shock absorption. Low or collapsed arches are often associated with Overpronation. Approximately 60% of the population has medium arches hence you are in good company!
When we talk about our arches, we most often refer to the medial longitudinal arch. Spanning the heel to ball of foot, its main function is to distribute body weight and absorb shock. Medium arches are often biomechanically efficient but still can be susceptible to most common foot problems such as heel pain or ball-of-foot discomfort. High, low or collapsed, medial arches disrupt the distribution of body weight across the foot, impairing shock absorption. Low or collapsed arches are often associated with Overpronation. Approximately 60% of the population has medium arches hence you are in good company!
Low Arch:
Approximately 20% of the population has low arches! Low arches are more flexible and tend to roll inwards and over-pronate. They are are often biomechanically imbalanced and can make your feet more susceptible to the most common foot problems such as heel pain, arch pain and plantar fasciitis. With this arch type one is most likely to over pronate and would need a running shoe with support.
Approximately 20% of the population has low arches! Low arches are more flexible and tend to roll inwards and over-pronate. They are are often biomechanically imbalanced and can make your feet more susceptible to the most common foot problems such as heel pain, arch pain and plantar fasciitis. With this arch type one is most likely to over pronate and would need a running shoe with support.
High Arch:
Such arches are usually stratified as supinated and are more rigid than the other feet. When you walk or run, your feet absorbs most of the impact and shock. With high arches you have less surface area for absorbing impact and you place excessive pressure on your rearfoot and forefoot areas. This can make you susceptible to foot conditions such as heel pain, ball-of-foot pain or plantar fasciitis. Approximately 20% of the population has high arches! High arches are often associated with excessive supination (underpronation). However, this is not a hard rule. One can still overpronate with high arches or underpronate with low arches.
Such arches are usually stratified as supinated and are more rigid than the other feet. When you walk or run, your feet absorbs most of the impact and shock. With high arches you have less surface area for absorbing impact and you place excessive pressure on your rearfoot and forefoot areas. This can make you susceptible to foot conditions such as heel pain, ball-of-foot pain or plantar fasciitis. Approximately 20% of the population has high arches! High arches are often associated with excessive supination (underpronation). However, this is not a hard rule. One can still overpronate with high arches or underpronate with low arches.
Transverse Arch
A majority of us are unfamiliar with the transverse arch. This arch runs perpendicular to the medial arch across the midfoot. Many forefoot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, numbness or pain can be associated with a collapsed or low transverse arch. Some relief may be offered by supporting this arch to increase room for the nerves and blood vessels in the midfoot. Footbalance insoles can be further customized by molding in support for the transverse arch.
A majority of us are unfamiliar with the transverse arch. This arch runs perpendicular to the medial arch across the midfoot. Many forefoot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, numbness or pain can be associated with a collapsed or low transverse arch. Some relief may be offered by supporting this arch to increase room for the nerves and blood vessels in the midfoot. Footbalance insoles can be further customized by molding in support for the transverse arch.
A happy news is that a right orthotics can help in filling up your arch cavity to disperse the shock, and provide the cushioning and alignment needed for you to prevent injuries and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. MBT's rocker bottom curved insoles shoes provide proper support for any arch type. Our patented dynamic core gives feedback to the arches and foot muscles to help keep them strong, active, fit and healthy.
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