What Causes Flat Feet and How to Find Relief

Your feet are your body’s foundation. Flat feet are a common but painful issue with varying degrees of impact. Flat feet are not typically an “emergency” level problem, but the pain and discomfort it causes, especially during physical activity, can be extremely frustrating to live with. Read on to learn more about the causes of flat feet and how you can find relief.

CAUSES OF FLAT FEET

Flat feet are characterized by the absence of an arch, when the entire sole of the foot touches the ground when standing. The arches may not have properly developed or may have collapsed. Some of the most common causes of flat feet include:

–  Obesity
–  Arthritis
–  High Blood Pressure
–  Stress Fractures
–  Damage to foot bones or tendons
–  Aging
–  Pregnancy

Often, people living with flat feet feel that it affects other aspects of their overall health. Flat feet don’t provide your feet with adequate support, so you are much more likely to experience foot pain. Plantar fasciitis is another common condition that affects people with flat feet. Your feet are your body’s foundation, and flat feet often lead to problems with spinal alignment, and create pain in your knees, lower back, and hips.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF FLAT FEET

Some of the common symptoms of flat feet include:

–  Visible lack of arch in the foot
–  Pain when walking or standing
–  Ankle pain
–  Foot deformity

RELIEF FOR FLAT FEET PAIN

Having flat feet can cause significant discomfort and cause pain in your feet, ankles, knees, lower back, and hips.
The most commonly recommended treatments for flat feet are:

 –  Custom Fitted Arch Supports: A custom fitted Arch Support will help create proper foot alignment and provide extra cushioning for your arches.
 –  Specialty Support Shoes: Specialy made shoes with extra support can assist the foot in staying in place properly, which can help relieve flat feet pain.
 –  Therapeutic Foot Exercises: Specific stretches and exercises might be recommended for those with flat feet to strengthen the surrounding muscles and tendons in the foot and ankle.

Ready to say adios to Flat Feet pain?

Come in and meet with one of our Arch Support Professionals. We will measure your foot, perform a balance test, and learn about your lifestyle.

Together, we will evaluate and discuss your needs, and if custom fitted arch supports are right for you, you can take them home with you the same day!