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| If You Have an Arch Problem, You Could Have Flat Feet |
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Your feet are the foundation of your body, allowing you to drive a car, helping you glide along the dance floor, giving you the freedom to move from place to place. So when your feet are out of alignment, your body’s entire skeletal structure feels the effects.
If you have an arch problem, such as intense arch pain, you could be developing flat feet, a condition that occurs when the arch of your foot becomes fully collapsed or rolls inward. People with flat feet are missing crucial arch support, and thus develop an arch problem when they are forced to shift pressure from walking to other parts of the foot. |
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| How an Arch Problem Can Turn Into Flat Feet |
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Though flat feet can be a hereditary condition, it can also develop as a symptom of foot abuse.
- Weakened muscles due to aging or heavy strain placed on the feet can cause an arch problem, and later flat feet.
- Standing or walking for long periods in high heels can cause an arch problem, and later flat feet.
- Wearing shoes that don’t provide proper arch support can cause an arch problem, and later flat feet.
The biggest sign of flat fleet is clearly an arch problem, most notably discomfort and pain in the arch region. As the normal arch begins to drop, walking can become very uncomfortable and painful. The foot can also turn outward at the ankle, causing a walk that’s concentrated on the inner border of the foot.
Due to the less supportive structure of a flat foot, postural strain and misalignment through the foot, ankle, knee and lower back can cause consistent daily discomfort and pain.
But an arch problem isn’t the only sign of flat feet. This condition can also lead to heel spurs, ankle sprains, hip and lower back pain and even contribute to the development of arthritis. Why? The depression of the arch in the foot puts more strain on the ligament and tendons that support the foot and ankle, and – over time – the bones may collapse. |
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| Good Arch Support Can Help Relieve an Arch Problem |
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In most people, the arch problem (pain) associated with flat feet can be treated with proper shoes. If you want to curb an arch problem before it can develop into flat feet, look for shoes that offer good arch support and stability, and/or use insoles that help support and stabilize the heel. Also, consider using custom orthotics to help support the arch and ease an arch problem.
In extreme cases, surgery may be required to stabilize the bones, improve foot support and function and ease a more serious arch problem. A podiatrist or orthopedic doctor will decide if surgery is necessary. |
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| FootSmart Offers Many Products that Can Help Relieve an Arch Problem |
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Many insoles and other orthotics provide good arch support and help alleviate an arch problem, such as the following:
- By cradling the heel and absorbing shock while increasing arch stability, Sof Sole Ultra Arch Inserts can help relieve an arch problem.
- ArchMates 3/4 Regular Support: This product can help alleviate an arch problem by helping reduce stress at key weight points and keeping each foot properly aligned.
- Tuli’s Gel Heel with Arch Support duplicates nature's own shock absorbing system, giving your foot maximum arch support and helping relieve an arch problem.
FootSmart also offers several specially made socks that can help relieve an arch problem by providing good arch support, such as FootSmart Men’s/ Women’s Arch Support Casual Crew Socks. These socks, which help alleviate heel and arch foot pain by lifting the arch and providing good compression and support, also come in sport crew, anklet or quarter-length styles.
FootSmart offers these and many other insoles, orthotics, socks, shoes and other products designed to help relieve an arch problem. If you are experiencing chronic arch pain due to poor arch support, however, please consult your local podiatrist before beginning any type of treatment for your condition.
Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health. |
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We Also Recommend:
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