Why Should You Strengthen Your Arch?

Studies have shown that strengthening the arch of the feet can help support the arch and decrease foot fatigue. A 2016 study of the function of the arch muscles showed that the abductor hallucis muscle (small muscle on the bottom inside portion of the arch) contracts to support the arch and control pronation while standing. This article suggested that strengthening and thus improving the endurance of these intrinsic foot muscles may reduce over-pronation, and the subsequent problems that are associated with it. These problems would include plantar fasciitis, shin splints and even some causes of knee pain. Houston’s Foot Doc Sherman Nagler can help.

Can Orthotics Help Strengthen the Arch?

These studies have found that in persons with flat feet, the use of orthotics in combination with arch strengthening exercises resulted in stronger feet than the when using the exercises alone. Orthotics appear to help strengthen the arch due to the fact that when using orthotics the muscles of the arch were in a better position to fire normally. Without the orthotics these muscles lost the mechanical advantage to support the foot. In other words, when wearing the orthotics the muscles were able to fire in a more normal position and thus ended up functioning better and stronger.

Always remember, strong feet can take you very far in life. Happy Feet makes you Happy.

Call for more details about stronger arches at 713.529.1010 or visit www.FootHouston.com