Flat arches are common and often a painless condition; however, at times, this condition can cause pain because it alters the alignment of your legs. The pain can affect your ankle, calf, knee, leg, and back because of the extra strain caused. Learn more about fallen arches.
What Causes Flat Feet
Flat feet (fallen arches) can be caused by several factors:
- Genetics - inherited foot structure from parents
- Age - natural wear and tear of tendons over time
- Pregnancy - hormonal changes and added weight
- Obesity - excess weight putting strain on foot arches
- Injuries - damage to tendons or bones in the foot
- Medical conditions - rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes
- Muscle/nerve conditions - muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy
- Poor footwear - consistently wearing shoes without proper arch support
- Activities - prolonged standing or high-impact activities
- Developmental issues - arches not forming properly during childhood
How to Relieve Flat Feet
Here are the main ways to relieve flat feet:
- Wearing supportive shoes with good arch support
- Using custom orthotics or arch support insoles
- Physical therapy to strengthen foot and ankle muscles and tendons
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce foot strain
- Avoiding high-impact activities that stress feet
- Taking breaks during prolonged standing/walking
- How Insoles Help With Flat Feet
Insoles help relieve the severity and pain of flat feet by:
- Providing arch support to improve foot alignment
- Distributing pressure evenly across the foot
- Reducing strain on ligaments and tendons
- Supporting the heel to stabilize the foot
- Cushioning impact during walking or standing
- Preventing overpronation (excessive inward rolling of feet)
- Training muscles to maintain better arch position over time
The right insoles can make a significant difference in comfort and function for some people.
