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Why Arch
Support?
A concept,
which has been present for perhaps hundreds of years, is that of arch support.
Early
research in foot function identified three arches in the human foot. These arches were
known as the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch and the transverse
metatarsal arch.
Early
researchers recognized the significance in maintaining these arches as a requirement for
asymptotic (pain free) foot function. They further recognized the destructive changes that
occur in the arches when foot deformity and pain is present.
More recent
researchers in the field of foot function have demonstrated the effect these arches have
on the structures about them, i.e. ankle, tibia, and fibula, knee, femur, hip, pelvis, and
vertebrae (back). They also identified medical
Problems,
which exist in these structures that, were either aggravated by or caused by the
malfunction of the arches in the foot.
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