Good Feet Means Health From the Ground Up

I didn't even know that I needed arch support.  What's more, I had no idea that good arch support could ease lower pack pain, ease leg and calf fatigue, neck and shoulder pain and prevent or alleviate sore heels or plantar fasciitis.   

But more immediately, good arch support can provide better balance, better posture and better foot placement - I discovered that for myself when I was fitted for a Good Feet arch support early this week.

It makes sense. When the bones in your feet are properly positioned, your whole skeleton is given the opportunity to properly align.  Man was not meant to walk on paved roads with no give to the feet.  As a result, we've got all kinds of problems that stem from misuse.

I thought I only had one arch in my foot.......I have four (as do you) while the arch support stabilizes all four it essentially "instructs" the foot as to how it should work.

And here's how it does work:The foot is prevented from sliding inside the shoe, the heel cup disperses the shock, the platform provides the stability, the four major arches are aligned, and the metatarsal all have the effect of bringing the ground up to meet the foot, enabling the body to maintain comfort and balance while standing or moving.

There are a few versions of these supports available, some with more flexibility or support. You'll use a different arch support for a vigorous activity then the one you'll use in your daytime shoes. 

These are no ordinary shoe inserts.  Heading to the Good Feet store to get some additional support for my training shoes, I anticipated a higher end version of my $15 shoe supports which I always put in to replace the scant little support you get from even the highest end shoe. 

With a foot placement analysis, proper fitting of the support and a lifetime guarantee for the product, I left with a $314 tab which included the arch support and 2 sets of natural sponge rubber shock absorbing shoe cushions. (can I leap from tall buildings now?)

When compared with the small fortune that many pay to chiropractors, massage and physical therapists.......it seems like a good investment to me.

I do have to say that the foot analysis was really interesting.  Without any knowledge of my physical history, the fitter was able to determine that I had the beginnings of some heel pain in my left foot (true enough) that I was putting more weight on my left leg than my right(yep, scoliosis to blame for that one) and that I was improperly pushing off with my toes rather than using the entire foot to propel myself forward. 

I've used the inserts for three days.  Gradually working up to wearing them all day in half hour increments.  Took a 4.5 mile walk in them yesterday and I honestly think my butt got a better work out. You know - if Good Feet inserts really do restore my alignment and consequently the balance of my entire body - I'll be using my feet and body the way I was created to. I could end up looking like a Kalahari tribesman.     Born to run. Born to balance.........Great butt.

Comments

[Air Jordan 13]

I thank thee that I am none of the wheels of power but I am one with the living creatures that are crushed by it. O(∩_∩)O~

[Julie]

I have to agree that getting the arch support properly fitted is something that will make a huge difference for those who spend long days on their feet. I had this done over a year ago and I thank myself every day for having taken the time to get the proper arch support. I am a waitress and the benefits more than justified the cost. Great article!