What You Need to Know About Flat Feet Treatment & Effectiveness of Orthotics
What You Need to Know About Flat Feet Treatment & Effectiveness of Orthotics
Flat feet, also referred to as fallen arches, is a condition where the arches of your feet collapse, causing the sole of your foot to come to almost total contact with the ground. This will typically cause discomfort whilst walking.
Orthotics play a crucial role in supporting the arch and structure of your feet.
Understanding flat feet
A flat foot condition is where the arches of your feet either do not develop properly or collapse with time. This condition may develop in childhood or may happen when during adulthood due to reasons such as injury, wear and tear, or illness. The most common symptoms of the condition are pain in your feet, especially in areas like the heels and arches. The inside parts of your ankles tend to swell a lot. With flat feet, you may also find it difficult to stand on your tiptoes. This condition could happen due to several reasons, such as weak arches and genetic predisposition.
The role orthotics can play when you have flat feet
Orthotics, or customised shoe inserts, can offer support, cushioning, and aid with alignment. They can help correct the abnormal motion of your feet and distribute weight evenly across the same. This eases the pain that flat feet cause you and can help avoid further complications.
The kinds of orthotics you have for flat feet
Custom orthotics, over-the-counter orthotics, and semi-bespoke insoles that come with arch support are the three major options. Custom orthotics are designed after analysing your feet during a gait analysis. A mould or 3D scan is then carried out in order for the custom orthotics to be tailored to your feet and specific needs. Over-the-counter or off the shelf insoles can help with supporting your feet in more mild cases of flat foot. Semi-bespoke insoles can be built to provide you with more arch support.
How to choose the right pair of supports
If you want to get your choice right in terms of orthotics, you must talk to a specialist who can carry out a thorough assessment and provide options. Your specialist may provide you with a treatment plan that incorporates orthotics, alongside stretching exercises or physiotherapy.
