Flat feet can be very uncomfortable and painful. Individuals who suffer from them may choose to use arch supports to help relieve some of the pain and take pressure off the arches and the ligaments and tendons that support them.  Arch supports can be purchased over-the-counter or they can be made by a doctor to specifically fit ones feet.   Obviously, the former will be much less expensive and they can be purchased and in an individual’s possession much faster then if a person were to go to a doctor and have them made.  For individuals who need immediate support buying arch supports for flat feet online or over-the-counter, may be a good short term option. However, it may eventually be necessary to have them custom made.  Many of the newer arch supports for flat feet work very well and can provide individuals who need them, the proper support to minimize pain and discomfort.

Because most shoes do not offer adequate support, it may be necessary to purchase arch supports.  Add poor construction and inexpensive materials used by many shoe manufacturing company with constant walking and the natural pounding of the feet and subsequently, foot pain develops. In order for individuals to be able to function as optimally as possible, it may be necessary to reinforce the shoe and arch supports can often do just that.

When the tibialis posterior tendon stretches or the ligaments which support the foot’s arch are stretched, flat feet may be the result.  This may also happen if there are tears in the ligaments or tendons in the feet.  This can be quite painful and make it difficult for individuals to walk and function normally.  Depending on the severity of the condition and the cause, a doctor may prescribe a number of different treatments.  For individuals who don’t have flat feet due to torn ligaments or tendons, arch supports may be all that is needed.

When the ligaments or tendons are only stretched but not torn, arch supports can provide individuals with some relief.  Therefore, it is important for individuals who believe that they have flat feet to be examined by a podiatrist when possible. If it is not, a careful self examination of the feet and consideration of all symptoms may be all that is necessary.  However, a podiatrist will be able to make a definitive prognosis on whether or not a person actually suffers from flat feet. There are test that they will perform and put the patient through, to make this determination. If individuals aren’t able to afford a visit to a podiatrist, but believe that they have flat feet, purchasing and using arch supports is one good option to try, If they do not fix the problem, at least one treatment option has been eliminated.  

Once it has been definitively determined that a person has flat feet, they may be prescribed some type of treatment to decrease inflammation.  They may also be asked to rest so that any ligaments or tendon injuries can heal. They will then likely be given some type of arch supports. Taken together, this can alleviate a lot of the pain and discomfort associated with flat feet. 

Flatfoot may be defined as an absence of the arch upon standing or walking. It is often associated with excessive inward “rolling” of the foot known as pronation. It is well accepted that children under the age of 7-10 years normally do not possess a significant arch or one that resembles the average adult foot. James Losito, D.P.M., Professor of Biomechanics at Barry University and a team physician for the Miami Heat, University of Miami and Barry University Intercollegiate Athletic Programs and Medical Director for Pro-Tech Sports Medicine, has had lots of experience with care of common pediatric pathologies. ” It is for this reason, that pain and function be emphasized rather than the cosmetic appearance of the foot when determining if a child’s foot is abnormally flat,” says Dr. Losito.

Dr. Losito states that a history of fatigue, cramping, pain, excessive shoewear or “sloppy” gait are the most reliable indicators that an abnormality is present. Several different causes of flatfoot exist including, ligamentous laxity, tightness of the Achilles tendon (equinus), muscular weakness or spasticity, and pigeon-toed gait. In the adult, excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) may produce many problems including tendinitis, fascitis, shin splints and stress fractures. Therefore, treatment of a symptomatic pediatric flatfoot should not be ignored. In some cases, treatment such as muscular strengthening or stretching is the key to improving the flatfoot condition. However, in many instances a functional orthotic device may be used in conjunction with exercises or used alone.

For example, children who walk pigeon-toed (intoed) or slew-foot (out-toed) suffer from severe pronation (flattening of the arch) as compensation during gait. A functional foot orthosis helps prevent the excessive pronation, which can lead to a structural flatfoot. In those children who trip, stumble or are clumsy, the orthotic can be fabricated to reduce the degree and severity of the abnormal gait pattern.

Children who suffer from equinus, defined as a tight Achilles tendon almost always suffer from excessive pronation and a flatfoot. This requires rigorous stretching exercises or surgery to eliminate the abnormal force creating the flatfoot. Functional foot orthosis are useful in eliminating any residual pronation and supporting the foot if any permanent structural changes have occurred.

Shoes and functional foot orthosis are not necessary for normal development of the child’s foot. However, when the aforementioned symptoms are present, functional foot orthotic devices are a proven and successful option that families can benefit from to help correct and prevent future problems.

Flat Feet is more or less a condition of fallen arches. The instep, or arch, collapses and becomes flat against the ground. Hence the term flat foot. Flat feet are not always a result of a collapse, some arches never develop properly. When we are babies, our feet are flat and the arch normally over time. As long as there is no ball of foot pain or any other difficulties resulting from the condition there is no real need to seek treatment.

If you suspect you have flat feet, just take a look. In general flat feet do have a flat look to them and unusual wear of shoe soles can also indicate flat feet. If you suffer from lower leg pain, pain from the ankle into the instep of the of the foot or foot pain in general, this may be a result of flat feet.

If you suspect you have, and are suffering foot care issues you may wish to see a podiatrist for treatment.  Treatments are available and your podiatrist will prescribe them based on the cause of a particular case of flat feet. These treatments may include but are not limited to shoe inserts, arch supports, custom orthotics, braces, surgery or just anti inflammatory medication.

Living with minor pain from flat feet without treatment might seem normal but if the condition worsens it could lead to complications. Besides the expected swelling an pain in the soles of the feet, shin splints, stress fractures, Achilles tendinitis and bunions can develop. Seek the advice of a podiatrist or a foot specialist who can help with preventative measures.