Many people with flat feet experience no problems because of it, although in some cases pain and discomfort can result. Some flat-footed people find that it affects the way they walk, causing pain in various parts of the feet, legs and back. As painkillers merely mask the problem, and surgery is a rather drastic and intrusive solution, many people are led to consider insoles or other arch supports for flat feet.
Many different problems are common among the flat-footed, and while many insoles and arch (or instep) supports are available over the counter, advice from a qualified professional will help avoid wasting money on equipment that could make your condition worse. Some relevant professionals are of course, medical doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and orthotists (orthotists being the ones who make insoles and the like, which are called "orthotics").
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.
There are a number of different causes for flat feet - adults displaying the condition are typically prone to different causes from those that are applicable to children. Because of the variety of causes, advice should always be sought from an appropriate medical professional.
In the very young, baby fat obscuring the instep of the foot can make it look flatter, which is not actually a problem, or harmful. As the child gets older and the fat fades away, the expected structure and shape usually becomes visible. To allow for this tendency in the young, simply being observant of how the child walks, and looking for signs of difficulties, is usually the best way to proceed.
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.
As can be seen, arch supporting insoles are well worth looking into for those with painful feet. Along with appropriate medical advice, insoles are affordable, eliminate the need for drugs, and can help avoid a serious operation, while the benefits of the extra cushioning and support can often be felt straight away. For these reasons, arch supports for flat feet are often the best thing to try.
Many different problems are common among the flat-footed, and while many insoles and arch (or instep) supports are available over the counter, advice from a qualified professional will help avoid wasting money on equipment that could make your condition worse. Some relevant professionals are of course, medical doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and orthotists (orthotists being the ones who make insoles and the like, which are called "orthotics").
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.
There are a number of different causes for flat feet - adults displaying the condition are typically prone to different causes from those that are applicable to children. Because of the variety of causes, advice should always be sought from an appropriate medical professional.
In the very young, baby fat obscuring the instep of the foot can make it look flatter, which is not actually a problem, or harmful. As the child gets older and the fat fades away, the expected structure and shape usually becomes visible. To allow for this tendency in the young, simply being observant of how the child walks, and looking for signs of difficulties, is usually the best way to proceed.
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.
As can be seen, arch supporting insoles are well worth looking into for those with painful feet. Along with appropriate medical advice, insoles are affordable, eliminate the need for drugs, and can help avoid a serious operation, while the benefits of the extra cushioning and support can often be felt straight away. For these reasons, arch supports for flat feet are often the best thing to try.
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