“Flat feet,” or fallen arches, is when a person’s large arch has collapsed so that the entire bottom of the foot comes into contact with the floor or sole of the shoe when the person walks.
The “normal” or ideal foot has a high arch on the inside of both feet. Approximately 20-30% of the population’s arches do not fully develop, either in one or both feet. Babies and young children do not have arches, but as the child grows and the foot is used more, the arch develops in most people.
Your feet are adapters, and they will adapt their shape to the shoe you put on them. Therefore, wearing shoes such as sandals and slippers that do not offer arch support can cause the arches of the feet to flatten. Flat feet can also be caused by wearing high heels. (The Achilles heel shortens and tightens causing the ankle to not bend properly and leaves the arch to pick up the slack.)
Having flat feet doesn’t slow down your running speed or hinder the usability of your feet, but it can cause pain. When there is no arch in your foot, many other parts of your feet have to compensate. This can lead to leg or back pain due to strain on the calves. Fallen arches can also lead to plantar fasciitis, which can occur when the bottom of the foot becomes overstretched and begins to tear or become inflamed. In some cases of flat feet, the bottom of the foot becomes stiff.
Flat feet have also been linked to pronation, or the foot turning in too far. The foot does this movement naturally while walking, but it is considered a condition when the foot turns too far inward, causing the feet to lose balance and alignment.
What can you and your poor flat feet do?
Arch supports can help with footrest associated with low or no arches. Arch supports lift the fallen arch and hold the foot in the position it should be in. Your weight is also properly distributed throughout your feet.
It’s important that your arch supports are a personal fit for your feet, the type of shoes you wear, and the activities you participate in.
Supports purchased online or at a pharmacy do not take into account the personal makeup of your feet. Your shoe size is not your arch size. Two people can wear a size 9 shoe, but have dramatically different needs when it comes to arch supports. When you go to a custom arch support specialist, remember to bring the shoes you wear most often.