Before you start to visit a Podiatrist in Cypress, TX, to treat foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and heel pain, you need to know your foot type. According to a study, roughly 75 percent of the adult population deal with foot pain. The feet have a huge responsibility and take pressure while standing and walking. Not knowing your foot type causes you to wear ill-fitting shoes that exacerbate the issue. Choosing the right shoes is beyond a fashion statement, it has an impact on your health. With the correct shoe size and type, you will have support and comfort for great adventures.
How to determine your foot type
To know your foot type, dip your foot in water and step on a piece of cardboard. If the middle part is half-filled you have a normal arch but if it looks like a complete foot, that is a flat arch. For high arches, very little remains in your footprint. The exercise helps you understand pronation. Ill-fitting shoes are bothersome to your feet. Contact our podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center for any concerns regarding your foot and shoe type. Our doctors will meet your foot needs.
Pronation is the technique the foot rolls inwards and distributes the impact upon landing. There are three-foot types: flat, neutral, and high-arched.
Flat foot
It is also known as overpronation. In this type, the arch of the foot collapses downward or inward. If you have a flat foot, your foot tends to roll inward when standing or running. The big toe and the second toe do a lot of work in this type. Overpronation can increase the risk of injuries and one needs shoes for adequate and stability. Shoes that feature motion control and a straight last are the best for flat-footed people.
Look for shoes with motion control with thicker arches. The shoe type should have a rigid midsole made of high-density foam, plastic, or fiberglass. It limits excessive foot movement and reduces overpronation.
Normal Arch
More than fifty percent of the population has normal arches. It is a medium foot is characterized by slight pronation. In a normal arch, the foot lands on the outside then roll inwards. This movement supports your body weight and lowers the impact the foot has when landing.
In a normal arch foot type, wear a stability shoe. These can have arch support on the sides and a high-density midsole. The shoes have a stable rearfoot and a flexible forefoot. You have endless choices of shoes but the shoe should support your arch.
High arch
It is the least common, and people with high arches are under pronators. People with high arches have rigid arches and an excess amount of weight is placed on the heel and the ball of the foot. The feet may not absorb shock well especially in high-impact physical activities such as running or jumping. The pressure is higher on the smaller toes on the outside of the foot. Shoes with thick cushioning compensate for the lack of natural shock absorption.
If you have a high arch, you should look for shoes with hefty cushioning and highly flexible made of lightweight materials. They have minimal rigidity and distribute impact evenly. The cushioning outside of the shoe prevents your foot from rolling out.
