Supporting role
October 1st 2004 Foot and back pain are widespread today with research indicating that 80% of adults experience some form of foot pain.
However, with the correct foot support, Carnation Footcare says such pain can be avoided
The way our feet interact with the floor affects our walking motion and balance.
As we walk our feet roll inwards (pronate) and when this occurs excessively (over pronation) it is a common cause of strains and pains. Over pronation can strain the plantar fascia, tough tissue that stretches from the heel to the ball of the foot. When this becomes inflamed heel and arch pain occur. Excessive pronation can also put strain on the ankles, knees and lower back.
As the foot rolls inwards, the knee and leg rotate inwards too, applying stress to muscles and bone structures
Dave Wain, chiropodist with Carnation Footcare, comments About 50% of people in the UK suffer from aching feet, and this figure must surely increase for people who spend a lot of their working day actually on their feet. We also know that 400 000 people per day, on average, are absent from work due to back pain.
Targeting industry
With more than 125 years of chiropody experience Carnation Footcare, part of the Cuxson Gerrard organisation, believes it is well placed to offer products and advice to reduce that figure. Dave Wain cites machine operators who are on their feet all day as being prime targets and says employers benefit too when absenteeism due to foot pain is reduced.
He continues We have a range of footcare solutions now available direct to industry. The products can be used individually or in combination, to cushion and protect aching feet, and correct posture, so helping to prevent and/or treat aching feet and the associated knee and back pain that can develop.
Under-foot orthotic insole
One of the products being promoted to reduce pain is Powerstep, an under-foot orthotic that comes with a life time guarantee. It is specifically designed to prevent and relieve heel, foot and arch pain, and prevent strain and injury. It does this by preventing over-pronation, stabilising the foot, correcting the alignment of the body and aiding balance. Its design is based on the experience of a podiatrist, combined with extensive computer analysis of the average dimensions of thousands of pairs of feet. Features include a stabilising heel cradle, doublelayered cushion insole and anti-bacterial fabric top cover.
Balance test
To appreciate the benefits Powerstep brings, the company suggests a balance test with and without the Powerstep insole: stand straight with feet apart and arms straight out in front of you; clasp hands together, slightly bending the elbows; ask a colleague to push downwards on your clasped hands. Carnation says you will quickly lose your balance and fall forward. Repeat the exercise wearing Powerstep. The company claims you will find it much more difficult to be pulled over because your feet are positioned as nature intended, giving you balance and alignment.
Pressure relief
Other products available include Advanced Pressure Relief insoles that are designed to provide immediate relief for aching feet. Made from a microporous cellular material, extensively tested and used in professional chiropody, the insoles also help prevent knee and back pain.
Bacteria killed
Also designed with comfort in mind is the Silversock, socks made from pure silver thread that not only keep the feet warm in winter and cool in summer, but also, because of the silver yarn, are proven to kill more than 400 types of bacteria, so inhibiting the growth of odour-causing fungi and bacteria in the sock. The product also has anti-static properties.
With relatively low cost products available to care for the feet and improve comfort, Carnation hopes to make foot pain a thing of the past. A comprehensive guide to footcare is available free. More articles from Cuxson Gerrard & Co.Ltd: | 
