When our distant ancestors evolved to walk on two feet, those feet had to work doubly hard. Feet had to do a little evolving themselves, developing arches, a characteristic that other apes lack.
This complex system of bones, ligaments and tendons gives the foot the necessary strength and flexibility to achieve a bipedal gait. Because the feet and arches bear so much weight and pressure, they are susceptible to injury and dysfunction. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, 77% of Americans have experienced foot pain, which can restrict activities like walking, exercising and working. And because feet are so foundational, foot problems can cause pain in other parts of the body, including the knees, hips and lower back.
Arch support inserts can help alleviate chronic pain by providing additional stability, distributing pressure evenly across the foot and keeping the feet in proper alignment with the rest of the body. Basic inserts are often found on pharmacy shelves and at the other end of the spectrum are custom-made orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist. However, a nice middle ground is The Good Feet Store, a franchise known as “America’s Arch Support Experts.” A location opened April 29 in the Suncrest Towne Centre in Morgantown, joining over 250 other locations worldwide.
Located at 412 Suncrest Town Center Drive, The Good Feet Store operates from 10 a.m.-6 p.m Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m.-5 p.m.on Sundays.
Each visitor to The Good Feet Store receives a free fitting by an arch support specialist. Customers can easily book fitting appointments online. As an added benefit, Good Feet Arch Supports are eligible for reimbursement with an FSA or HSA. The store also offers shoes, cushions and other foot-care accessories, making it a comprehensive hub for foot health.
Eva Murphy is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city. To suggest a topic, email her at DPNews@DominionPost.com.
