Finding Arch Support for Flat Feet in an Arched Foot World
A significant proportion of the population has flat feet—also commonly known as fallen arches—and for most, the condition does not affect daily life. However, for some, it can result in pain in the feet, legs and back. For these people, getting the proper arch supports for flat feet is essential to living life to the fullest. There is a way to feel better. While there’s no actual cure or reversal for fallen arches, shoe insoles for flat feet can provide pain relief.
What Causes Flat Feet?
The condition is a common one, often beginning in childhood, when the tendons that eventually form arches in most feet do not do so. But even people with normal arches can develop flat feet as they age, and they add another level of risk factors to injury, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and even to pregnancy. If someone has flat feet but is not experiencing pain, it may not be necessary to seek treatment.
Flat Feet and Pain
In many individuals, flat feet can lead to overpronation, a condition in which, because the arch is no longer there for support, the ankle rolls inward and the majority of the body’s weight is borne on the inner edge of the foot. This can result in strain on the ankles, knees and lower back, as well as other foot problems. Some of the other various medical issues suffered due to fallen arches can include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Bunions
- Shin splints
- Tendonitis
- Cartilage damage in the knee
- Lower back pain
What Orthotics Can Do for Flat Feet
The right shoe inserts for flat feet can help lessen the effects of overpronation. Aligning the bones in the foot properly with foot orthotics can assist in improvement of postural control, which aids in prevention and treatment of lower back pain. Arch supports for flat feet have also been shown to decrease energy consumption of flat-footed people during walking, as well as improving step symmetry and walking speed. Finally, by reducing strain on soft tissue in the ankles, shoe insoles for flat feet can enhance muscle strength and stabilize the ankles, resulting in better posture and balance.
While there's no need to seek treatment if you're currently not experiencing any issues due to flat feet, it’s a good idea to use an orthotic to prevent such problems from occurring, especially if a lot of time is spent on your feet. Here are some suggestions for the best shoe insoles for flat feet:
PowerStep Pinnacle Low:
The PowerStep® Pinnacle Low, with built-in low arch support and two layers of plush cushioning, is the perfect balance of comfort and support. Featuring the signature PowerStep® arch shape, these insoles cradle the arch and heel, adding stability and motion control, to control excess stress on joints and tendons.
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx:
A firmer shell and angled heel platform for greater foot control and arch support. An ideal orthotic shoe insole for preventing and alleviating pain associated with moderate over-pronation, Plantar Fasciitis, heel or arch pain and discomfort and other common foot conditions.
PowerStep KidSport:
full-length cushioned shoe insoles provide soft support for kids and teens. A child’s foot arch starts out flat and develops over time. Shoes without insoles fail to cushion a child or teen’s foot muscles as they walk, run, or play. These comfortable kid’s insoles are an ideal alternative to arch support insoles for children and teens who require more cushioning and less support.
PowerStep Pinnacle Dress:
The Powerstep® Pinnacle Dress Full Length shoe insole combines a supple top cover and cushioning foam in an even lower profile design for use in men’s and women’s dress shoes.
Finding the Best Orthotics for Flat Feet
When first starting out with orthotics for flat feet, users may find a need to wear them for just a few hours per day until the feet become fully accustomed to them. Once wearing them regularly, the orthotics will help align the ankle bones properly and will help to prevent many of the common conditions associated with flat feet.
Be sure to pay attention to your feet and replace your orthotics when they no longer feel as though they’re providing the same level of support. Under normal conditions, this tends to be after 6 or more months.
For sufferers of pain related to flat feet, it’s time to find relief. There are a wide variety of insoles available, but not all are created equal. As the #1 Podiatrist-recommended brand of shoe insoles, Powerstep offers the shoe insert that will fit your unique needs. Let us help you determine which product will be the best option for you. Find all the information you need to make your choice at our online Insole Finder here. Visit our Resource Center for additional informative articles, or feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about our products.
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