Flat Feet is a foot condition that can cause a variety of issues if left untreated. Thankfully there are orthotics for flat feet. However, not all orthotic solutions are equivalent. This quick piece will give an answer to “what is flat feet”, what causes it and the risks involved, as well as give a guide for picking up the best orthotics for flat feet.

What is Flat Feet?

As the name suggests, flat feet is a condition in which someone doesn’t have a natural “arch” to their foot. Generally, the middle part of your foot shouldn’t be touching the ground. However, in people with flat feet, all or most of the feet will be touching the ground or bottom of the shoe at all times.

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet can happen for a variety of reasons. Most people start off flat-footed as children, but will develop arches as they grow up - but some people never develop these arches. This kind of natural flat foot is normal and not uncommon.

Sometimes the process of aging can also cause arches to fall. Wear and tear on the tendons in your foot will slowly make your arch lose form. These tendons could also be suffering from an injury or other damage. Being overweight can also put extra pressure on your feet, leading to flat feet.

What Are the Risks of Flat Feet?

There are many people with flat feet who do not have any noticeable changes to their life. However, flat feet do put you at risk of a variety of conditions. This is because flat feet make you more susceptible to uneven distribution of weight. This can then lead to swelling and pain in your feet, legs, hips, and even back.

This discomfort can often be the harbinger of more serious conditions. Without orthotics for flat feet to help give better support, flat feet can cause various foot problems such as bunions, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or tendonitis.

What Are the Best Orthotics for Flat Feet

As you can see, orthotics for flat feet can help prevent more severe conditions from developing. But how do you buy orthotics for arch support? There are a few factors that are key when looking for orthotics for flat feet.

When selecting an insole, there are some things to consider. These include flexibility, size, volume, over-the-counter vs. custom made, and price. Each of these considerations plays a part in your ultimate orthotic selection.

Firstly, you want an orthotic that will actually support an arch shape, without being uncomfortable. If an orthotic insole bends and gives too much, it won’t be suitable for holding an arch.

It’s also vital that an orthotic be able to fit your foot, while also being able to fit within your shoes. It’s for this reason that the best orthotics for combatting flat feet are custom-designed ones. While over-the-counter orthotics might be able to give you more comfort, these kinds of orthotics are often only short-term solutions to orthotic problems. Only a custom orthotic is going to be able to maintain itself long enough to actually help you develop an arch.

If you’re looking for the best in custom orthotics, make sure to visit our shop. We have a wide variety of custom orthotics perfect for arch support. In particular, make sure to check out our Control Orthotic, which is designed to provide the best arch support possible.