A Guide To Arch Supports For Flat Feet

By Vicki Diaz


While the majority of people with flat feet are not negatively affected by it, many experience aches, pains and other problems. It can be the cause of walking difficulties, and soreness anywhere in the legs, feet, and even back. Drugs can bring some relief from the pain, but the underlying condition remains, while surgery is obviously a very serious undertaking - and so, some use arch supports for flat feet.

Being flat-footed can lead to several different problems. With a range of different insoles and arch (or instep) supports available to buy, it is important to seek professional advice in diagnosing your specific problem, as buying the wrong instep support would at best be a waste of money, and at worst could actually cause you injury. Medical professionals in this field include medical doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and orthotists, who can in fact make custom insoles specifically for the shape of your foot.

The most common cause of the condition is that the foot "rolls over", so that the inside of the foot rolls downwards, creating the impression of flatness. This rotation occurs at the ankle, with the result that the bones are not well positioned for walking. It can result in painful wear and tear, and the effects can be felt all the way up the leg and also in the back. Arch supports help keep the instep from falling, stopping this potentially damaging rotation.

The term "flat feet" can actually describe a number of different circumstances, which further emphasizes the need for a professional opinion. For example, the appearance of the problem in the young, as opposed to in adults, can be for quite different reasons, while in both adults or the young there can be various underlying causes.

In the very young, "baby fat" can effectively fill the instep, creating a flatter overall appearance. As the child grows, the correct shape and structure will usually be revealed. If children appear to walk with discomfort or pain, alongside the tell-tale signs of flatness, this could be the indication of a problem.

Adult cases can arise in different ways, such as wear and tear through age, obesity, or overuse, causing the inside edge of the foot to fall towards the floor. Sometimes this can be due to the foot "rolling" inwards, or it can be due to the bones of the arch actually collapsing.

Whether flat-footed or otherwise, many people feel a benefit from using arch support insoles, which can help in various ways. Firstly, preserving the position of the foot by supporting the arch can stop the chain reaction of aches and pains that can occur through the foot, legs and back. Different preferences are catered for by a range of different products - stiffer insoles provide firmer support, while many prefer more cushioned insoles, which help maintain foot position more gently. People who have had a poor gait for a while are often in considerable pain, and will appreciate the extra cushioning.

It can be seen that insoles represent a low cost solution for symptoms associated with a range of foot problems. With appropriate medical advice, many people experience instant relief by using an insole, which removes the need to have an operation or take pills to relieve pain, making arch supports for flat feet the ideal solution to try first.




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