If you suffer from constant plantar pain, heel pain, poor posture, and back problems, it may be that these concerns come from a single condition: flat foot. What is flat foot? And how to treat it? We tell you everything you need to know about flat feet in this article.
What is flat foot?
👣THE flat foot is a foot of which the arch between the arch and the heel is almost or completely non-existent, giving this “flat” profile effect. The diagnosis of flat foot is made using a podoscope by a podiatrist.
You can have flat feet from childhood or adolescence if your foot is not forming properly during growth, or your feet may become flat as adults, due to a sagging of your arch or an injury such as a ruptured tendon. Flat feet can also appear in adulthood as a result of osteoarthritis.
👉The problem with flat foot is that it means your foot is entirely in contact with the ground when you are standing. Your natural posture is therefore not good, and you may have a tendency to collapse your foot inward to be more comfortable. Issue ? Your knees and back risk suffering from this poor posture.
This is where comes in flat foot orthopedic insoles.
VShow to know if you have a flat foot problem ?
The flat foot problem can be detected in several ways.
Firstly, if you suffer from recurring pain under your heel, like a thorny feeling, and pain under the arch of your foot, then this may be a sign of flat feet.
Likewise, if you notice recurring joint pain in your ankles or knees, know that flat feet are a common cause of these problems.
To check for a potential flat foot problem, simply stand barefoot and see if your feet are completely touching the ground or if the natural arch of your foot is present. If they are in contact with the ground everywhere, then you may be suffering from a flat foot problem. To be sure, consult a podiatrist and do a test with a podoscope.
What is a flat foot insole?
👟A flat foot orthopedic insole is an orthopedic insole specially created for flat foot pathology. It allows you to artificially restore the hollow of your foot in order to eliminate this “flat” effect which causes pain.
Also called “ arch support insole », the insole for flat feet will put your flat feet back in the anatomical axis to obtain immediate relief from pain and fatigue. Thanks to an ergonomic shape and thick material, the insole for flat feet will absorb shock and effectively distribute plantar pressure and arch support.
Who are orthopedic insoles for flat feet intended for?
👧 🙋♂️Insoles for flat feet are intended for children and adults who suffer from flat feet. It is also one of the essential remedies to treat flat foot pathology to this day.
The orthopedic insole for flat feet will allow:
- To help the foot adopt a better arch
- To correct unbalanced posture
- Reduce pain in the ankles, knees and back
- Better absorb shocks
Orthopedic insoles for flat feet are also effective in the treatment of flat valgus foot.
THE flat foot valgus is a more serious pathology linked to the problem of flat foot: the sagging of the arch of the foot has caused an inward tilt of the foot while, at the same time, the heel is deviated outwards (what we call valgus).
In 90% of cases, the orthopedic insole for flat valgus foot will help relieve pain related to valgus foot, and can restore better posture. The earlier orthopedic insoles are prescribed, the better.
In 3% to 10% of cases, only surgical intervention can permanently cure flatfoot valgus.
How it works ?
The flat foot orthopedic insole is tailor-made for your foot to restore an artificial arch under your foot. It can also be purchased online and then made to your size with a cutout for your size.
💪Generally, the insole for flat feet features reinforcement at the heel and hollow of the foot to give you better foot support. The idea is to effectively restore plantar pressure, while absorbing shock.
What are the results of insoles for flat feet?
🚶♀To slip into your everyday shoes, the insoles for flat feet provide immediate comfort, and provide better foot balance in the shoe. By wearing them, you have less risk of your foot tilting inwards, or of plantar pressure being distributed only to the heel. You therefore reduce the risk of foot valgus, plantar fasciitis or pain in the ankles, knees and back.
In the long term, orthopedic insoles for flat feet guarantee:
- Better arch support
- Better posture
- Better comfort in your shoes
- Reduced heel and back pain caused by flat feet
What shoes to wear when you have flat feet?
For your flat foot orthopedic insole to have a positive effect on your posture, it is recommended to wear it with the appropriate shoes. Choose une pair of shoes that offers good arch support, leave alone room for toes , has a small heel (but not more than 6cm) to allow you better shock absorption, and a flexible sole.
Trainers
✅ Comfortable sneakers or dress shoes are the basic shoes to adopt when you suffer from flat feet. You must choose them in leather and not in fabric so that the support is sufficient and the shoe absorbs shock.
Shoes should be wide enough not to compress your foot, but secure enough to ensure it does not move when you walk.
High ankle boots
✅ Wearing high ankle boots which provide better ankle support is also recommended in the case of flat feet. Thanks to laces or a zipper, you can tighten your foot inside to ensure good support.
Be careful to choose them without a high heel though.
Boots
✅ Boots with a leather upper will not only provide good support for your ankle, but also ensure that your foot remains in place. Choose them in leather and without a high heel for greater efficiency.
What shoes to avoid when you have flat feet?
Flat sandals
Summer can be a real period of suffering for people who have flat feet. Indeed, with the heat, we tend to turn to sandals to be comfortable and not to be too hot. Unfortunately, it is difficult to slip orthopedic insoles into them to be comfortable!
🔴 Most sandals also have a flat leather upper, too thin to absorb shock and allow the foot to regain a natural curvature.
Also, sandals are not recommended for people with flat feet. The only models that might be suitable would be those with a small heel or a thick sole to protect the arch.
Flip flops
🔴 With their somewhat thick and comfortable plastic sole, you might think that flip-flops are recommended for flat feet. Nay! Flip-flops should be banned for walking all day if you suffer from flat feet. Only wear them to the pool or the beach, but no more.
High heels
🔴 Whether you wear sandals, pumps or high-heeled ankle boots, they are all not recommended if you suffer from flat feet. Because of their height and shape, they unbalance your gait and do not provide you with well-distributed support. Over the long term, wearing heels can worsen flat foot problems by forcing the sole of the foot into an arched position.
Converse
🔴 You might think that because they fall into the category of sneakers, Converses are authorized when you have flat feet. On the contrary ! The Converses have a very thin outsole, and no reinforcement allowing good absorption of things. The fabric exterior does not support the foot well enough despite the laces.
Results: the feet are in almost direct contact with the ground because of the thin sole, and no curvature can remedy the flat foot problem. Even if you insert orthopedic insoles for flat feet, your Converses risk giving you sore feet at the end of the day...
Ballet flats
🔴 The thinnest and flattest models provide no shock absorption. Even with insoles, you will have foot pain, and the therapeutic effects of insoles will be diminished with the wrong pair of shoes. Instead, opt for moccasins or sandals with low heels to add a little curvature to your foot and protect your heel.
What is recommended when you have flat feet
- Wear suitable orthopedic insoles
- Treat children as soon as possible to avoid worsening in adults.
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Avoid sports where you have to jump: gymnastics, tennis, badminton, trampoline, etc.
- Consult a podiatrist regularly
What is not recommended
- Wear high heels
- Wearing poor quality shoes
- Walking around barefoot too often
- Standing or stomping too long
Conclusion
👣 Flat feet pathology is a problem to be taken seriously. It is not a simple foot problem, but a pathology which can cause numerous joint and muscular pains, and significant deformations or imbalances in the skeleton. It would be a shame to have to consult an osteopath or chiropractor as an adult who costs you money, when you could have been able to resolve this problem before and avoid unnecessary pain.
Indeed, The problem of flat feet can be easily resolved with suitable orthopedic insoles. Managed early (during childhood) or treated quickly, flat foot may only remain a daily nuisance and not transform into a more serious pathology, such as valgus foot.
It's up to you to choose the insoles for flat feet that suit you, and that allow you to be more comfortable on a daily basis. Whether you prefer them in leather, synthetic material or thermoformed, orthopedic insoles for flat feet exist in several shapes and materials to suit all foot types.
Wearing flat foot orthopedic insoles allows you not only to treat your flat foot problem, but also to anticipate other ailments. Overall, you adopt a better posture and give your body more solid support to reduce joint pain.
After all, the feet are the foundation of our body: by taking care of them, we strengthen the entire structure! With insoles for flat feet, you will not only feel healthier but also more robust and less stressed.
