Can Orthotics Correct My Flat Feet?

Foot problems are very common, with as many as 87% of people struggling with some form of foot pain for one of several reasons. Flat feet are one of the most common foot conditions, affecting 30% of people, and of that number, 1 in 10 have symptoms associated with it. So, it’s not always painful but can become a problem over time for many reasons.

Most treatment options for managing flat feel are mild, and orthotics offer the support your feet need. To find out more about how this works, let’s get the facts about this foot problem, the problems it can cause, and what orthotics do to benefit your feet. 

If you live in the Fort Worth or Weatherford, Texas area and you’re dealing with problems stemming from flat feet or other podiatric issues, Drs. Glen Beede, Gary Driver, Gregory Jaryga, and their staff at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists can help.

Facts about flat feet

Also referred to as pes planus, flat feet happen when you have little to no arch on the pads of your feet, resulting in the whole bottom of the foot touching the ground when standing. These arches don’t usually develop until around six, and about 20% still have flat feet when they grow up. Another form of this condition occurs when your arches collapse and are called fallen arches.

There are different types of flat feet, with the flexible form being the most common. Aside from fallen arches, the other types include rigid (completely flat feet when standing or sitting) and vertical talus, a congenital problem in which the arches never form. 

Causes and risk factors

People with flat feet tend to pronate excessively, leading the ankle side of the foot to roll inward, causing the feet to look flat. This adds pressure to feet, knees, and ankles by keeping them from properly absorbing shock as you walk. Various genetic disorders can be responsible for flat feet, such as calcaneovalgus, dyspraxia, hypermobility, loose ligaments, inward-pointing toes, and congenitally fused tarsal bones. 

Outside of fallen arches, adults can develop this due to rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, Marfan’s syndrome, pregnancy, and having one leg longer than the other. This condition raises the risk of other problems, such as Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis.

How orthotics can help

These are inserts placed in your shoes to offer cushioning and support to alleviate the pressure of several foot problems, including flat feet. This results in less discomfort and pain relief, improved foot alignment and stability, reduced fatigue, and improved performance. We custom make orthotics to suit your unique needs after examining feet to make sure the orthotics are perfect to help you with flat feet and other issues using a 3-D scan, in many cases treating you without having to perform any procedures to correct the problem.

Flat feet affect millions of people, and if you struggle with the effects of this foot condition, we can treat your issues. Make an appointment with Drs. Beede, Driver, Jaryga, and their team at Trinity Foot & Ankle Specialists today to see what orthotics can do for you.