Flat Foot /Fallen Arches

There is a range or continuum of types of "flat foot." This is the flattening of the inside part of the foot at the arch. Several causes included pronation, dysfunction of the posterior tibialis muscle, congenital problems, injury, fusions of bones that are not normally fused or, results of a collapsed arch from certain disease processes.

This problem can be flexible or rigid. The flexible type can be helped with a rigid custom orthotic. If this problem is not addressed early on it can lead to a rigid flat foot that comes with a whole multitude of problems including bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, hip, knee and back pain. The rigid or "spastic" flat foot can be from other more serious problems and needs to be addressed with your podiatric physician.

Children often appear to be "flat footed" until their foot develops sufficiently. If however, when they become school age and still have a flat appearance to the foot then the problem should be addressed with their Podiatrist.

Custom functional orthotics:
Custom function orthotics can address several components of the problem at the same time including protection and control of the dysfunction of the way you walk. However, your feet may still need surgery and this will need to be assessed by your Podiatrist. In addition, good fitting shoes will be needed to help decrease the pain and to allow for a more normal walking pattern. Flat foot often needs other treatments including ankle foot braces. The sooner the problem is addressed the better the outcome with custom orthotics. Be sure to write on the order form if your foot is flexible or rigid when ordering custom orthotics from our site. Rigid flat foot is best addressed with your podiatrist.

Prolabs:
Prolab inserts are good to help control the dysfunction of the way you walk but do not provide "protection" or cushioning. These are not for Rigid flat foot problems.

 

 

Spenco Cross Trainer:
Spenco inserts provide extra cushioning and support. This device is especially good for the aging foot. It does not provide a large degree of foot control. They provide comfort and are long lasting.

 

Prothotics therapeutics:
These shoe inserts offer support and cushioning. This is a good over the counter type of insert for people with poor circulation and or diabetes that need protection for their feet. It does not provide a large amount of foot control.

 

Apex Anti-shox:
This is a high quality supportive type over the counter insert. It is recommended especially for people with poor circulation or diabetes as they offer excellent cushioning. They do not provide a large amount of foot control.

All people with diabetes, poor circulation, burning or numbness in their feet or who have had previous ulcers absolutely need to see their foot doctor before and after obtaining any type of foot device including diabetic custom orthotics to prevent injury to their feet that could lead to loss of their feet.