Upstep Answers
Our team answers your questions about the causes and treatment of various podiatric conditions, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, foot pain, and the use of custom orthotics.
Recent Answers
Should You Put Orthotic Insoles Into Your Gym Shoes?
While it is not absolutely necessary, putting orthotic insoles in your weightlifting shoes can enhance your weightlifting performance. Well-made orthotic insoles create a notable impact. How Does Your Insole Affect Your Weightlifting Performance? A weightlifter can benefit from wearing insoles as a lot of factors play roles in the gym to balance out a perfect workout. Similar to using weightlifting belts, using orthotic insoles in your gym shoes can do wonders. They would help you control your balance and distribute the weight pressure properly in your body. You should be keeping a better balance whether training with free weights or using machine weights. Insoles would also make sure that your joints are protected. Moreover, you would see significant improvement in your weightlifting performance while training in the gym. » Are you a weightlifter with flat feet? Purchase the best insoles for weightlifting A Final Thought If you don't already own a pair of orthotics or insoles and don't have any prevalent foot conditions, or if your workouts are going fine and not creating any issues along the lines of pain or excessive discomfort and fatigue, then purchasing a pair of orthotics might not be necessary. If you can afford the extra cash and want to give yourself some extra support and stability, then absolutely go for it, but don't feel like you will be held back without them. Additionally, make sure that the insoles you do purchase are right for your feet as poorly made insoles or orthotics designed for specific conditions that you don't have will force your muscles to operate in a certain way that could damage your progress and create issues in the long run.
Asked 6 months ago
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Plantar Fibroma?
A plantar fibroma is a nodule in the arch of the foot that develops in the plantar fascia. Though benign, this nodule continues to grow slowly over time. It then begins to cause pain while walking, running, or performing ordinary activities of daily living. Symptoms of Plantar Fibroma A plantar fibroma begins with a nodule that is barely noticeable in the foot arch. As it grows, pain becomes the primary symptom. A point comes when you begin to feel the pressure of the nodule in the sole of your foot as if you’re stepping on a rock. At this stage, the lump is also noticeable at the base of your foot. Using Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat a Plantar Fibroma Treatment of plantar fibroma aims to relieve pain and reduce any growth. To do this, you can use apple cider vinegar, a substance produced by further fermenting apple cider. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid and is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties. When used, it can lead to the quick dissolution of the hardening tissue. You can soak a piece of tissue or towel in the vinegar and tape it to the sole of the affected foot overnight, allowing time for absorption to take place. » Learn about the best insoles for plantar fibroma and much more Reducing Plantar Fibroma Symptoms While there is no verifiable medical evidence about the efficacy of apple cider vinegar in managing plantar fibroma, there are many patient-specific reports about its effectiveness. Thus, several studies are ongoing into the nature of its effect. In its place, you can also consider other home treatments such as the use of ice, orthotics (gel, foam pad, and insoles), massage, and stretching exercises.
Asked 6 months ago
Choosing the Best Insoles for Heel Pain
Heel pain is one of the most commonly reported painful conditions affecting people globally. Pain at the back of the heel can be linked to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel bursitis, and heel spurs. It would be counterproductive to use orthotics for metatarsal support for conditions causing or associated with heel pain. It is important to know why your heels hurt. Choose an insole that is tailored specifically for your needs. Orthotic insoles help prevent and reduce pain in the heel, ensuring that your feet feel more comfortable while wearing shoes daily. Which Inserts Are Best for Heel Pain? Thick insoles made with soft materials with additional cushioning support in the heel area are usually the best option for preventing heel pain. Insoles and orthotics provide shock absorption qualities, supporting the feet, as well as providing additional support within the shoes during your daily activities. Upstep provides custom orthotics with additional cushioning to reduce pressure areas around the heel which can greatly reduce your levels of discomfort throughout the day. This provides a cost-effective conservative way to manage this condition, as well as preventing your heel pain from getting progressively worse as you age. Custom orthotics may provide you with enough relief from heel pain for surgical interventions to not be considered. There is a range of stretching and strengthening exercises for heel pain that you can use in conjunction with orthotics to achieve the best results in the management of your heel pain. » Experiencing unbearable heel pain? Purchase the best insoles for heel spurs How to Choose the Right Inserts for You Choosing the right insoles for heel pain is important because they will be specifically designed for this condition. It may be counterproductive to receive support in areas that do not need it, as this could create discomfort and pain. Look out for an insole or orthotic that has sufficient padding in the heel area to reduce shock to the tissue as your heel makes contact with the ground. Custom insoles can be modified to fit optimally with the structure of your feet. Insoles should not be too thick because this will compress your feet within the shoe, and this may aggravate your symptoms. It may take some time for your foot and lower leg to adjust to the adoption of an orthotic in the shoe. Thereafter, orthotics should alleviate your symptoms by providing adequate comfort throughout the day. Should your heel pain reach a point where you are unable to walk or carry out your daily activities, it is advised to seek medical advice regarding this. » Still unsure of which insoles are right for you? Check out our guide on the best insoles for foot pain
Asked 6 months ago
Why Arch Supports Hurt Flat Feet and How to Relieve the Pain
Many foot conditions require the use of insoles or extra arch support to manage symptoms such as pain. Although they usually take some getting used to in the beginning, there is a golden rule of new insoles that states that your level of pain should never be worse than it was before you'd ever worn insoles. If your feet hurt more after adding some arch support insoles to your shoes, then it may be a dangerous sign that needs to be evaluated. » Looking for high-quality orthotics? Take a look at the best insoles for flat feet Painful Insoles Are Not Made Correctly Correctly designed insoles are meant to support the foot's arch, which is especially true in individuals who suffer from fallen or collapsed arches. Adding extra support to the foot's arch may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but, at the very least, it will redistribute pressure enough to reduce some degree of pain. If the insoles actually cause you more pain, then there is something about them that isn't meant for your feet. Although there are many potential errors in design, some of the main ones are listed below: Arch supports that are too high will push your foot from overpronation to supination and cause extra pressure and pain in a different area of your foot.Incorrectly sized arch supports can cause restrictions in your foot's movement and force them to readjust to accommodate the awkward position, putting extra pressure on the midsole and causing more pain.Worn-out insoles will no longer provide the correct support to your feet and could cause more harm than good. What Can You Do About Painful Insoles? If your insoles are hurting after the normal 3-week break-in period, then it's clear that they aren't made for your specifications. If they are a general pair of over-the-counter insoles, then it's a sign that you may require a pair of custom orthotics, whereas if they are already a pair of custom orthotics, then it's a sign that they were not made correctly and will need to be reevaluated by a podiatrist. » Still not sure if orthotics are the right choice for you? Learn more about their benefits in our Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet Review
Asked 6 months ago
Can Crocs Ease the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?
Crocs have been around since 2002. Regardless of the controversy over its utility, the footwear brand has grown to become a major manufacturer of flip-flops and sandals globally. By all indications, Crocs have come to stay - and for good reason. The lightweight footwear offers as much in its unique style as it does in comfort. They are easy to slip on and are also fully breathable, giving your toes enough room to move around and promoting circulation. » Learn how using pressure points for plantar fasciitis can help the condition Do Crocs Have Good Foot Support? Yes and no. Crocs have good arch support, however, they do not offer enough heel support. Consequently, this lowers the overall foot support you receive from Crocs. It will leave you trying to grip the shoe with your toes. Invariably, this can lead to different toe conditions, including tendonitis, bunions, hammertoes, and painful corns and callouses. » Want to know more about custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis symptoms? Read the plantar fasciitis product review Do Crocs Help With Plantar Fasciitis? Heel pain is a major cause of concern for many people, and plantar fasciitis is a leading cause. There are many plantar fasciitis treatment options. Ice, rest, simple exercises, and maintaining a healthy weight are all beneficial treatments. In addition to these methods, using supportive footwear and orthotics can be effective for foot pain. This is why Crocs can help in treating plantar fasciitis. Not only do they fit the foot well, but they are also well-cushioned - guaranteeing comfort while walking. Moreover, they have rigid soles that provide firm support to the foot. The rigidity prevents twisting of the foot, which puts strain on the foot and leg. Crocs can also ease the pain of plantar fasciitis by means of reinforced heels. Ligaments in the foot and heel are not stretched or torn during long periods of physical activity. With this in mind, if your goal is to relieve pain in the heel of the foot, especially due to plantar fasciitis, wearing Crocs is a good choice. High arch Crocs are supportive and orthopedic, which makes them a popular choice for many.
Asked 6 months ago
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