Hello, Class!  No . . . we're not going to discuss McDonald's.  Today's "lecture" is going to address the "double arches" of the foot.

The healthy foot has two arches.  The longitudinal arch is the one most of you are familiar with.  It is often described as a "high arch," a "fallen arch," a "flat foot," etc. and runs from heel to toe.  The second arch is the transverse arch, running from the outside to the inside of the foot.  In a biomechanically healthy foot, the base of the big toe and the base of the little toe (1st and 5th metatarsal heads) bear the body's weight.  However, people who are experiencing foot pain are often bearing the body's weight through the 2nd metatarsal head.  One sign of this problem is a callous formation at the base of the 2nd toe.  This, and other biomechanical problems of the foot, can often be improved with custom orthotics (shoe inserts).  I am aware of only one custom orthotic that incorporates correction of both arches, Sole Supports, for whom I have been a certified practitioner for over 10 years.  I've witnessed a very high level of satisfaction among Sole Supports users.

Though most insurance plans do not pay for custom orthotics, Alliance Physical Therapy offers the Sole Supports orthotics at a great value (call for details).  During October in celebration of National Physical Therapy month, we will take $25 off your orthotics if you mention this column when you schedule your appointment.  So, if you are experiencing foot, knee or hip pain that can be relieved by custom orthotics, start saving your pennies today.  You will love those "double arches!"

Yours in health,

Karen