Made From The Molds Of Your Feet
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When you are dealing with your feet, you can find that they go through a lot of stress. If you do not give them some of the rest they deserve, it can lead to a whole bunch of foot conditions, many of which can cause discomfort and pain along the way.
Ignoring the problem will often just make it worse and could end up limiting your mobility too. One of the conditions that many people experience when it comes to their feet is flat feet.
When the arches start to fall a bit, this can lead to a flat-foot problem. This can seem like a minor problem, but it does affect your gait and the way that the weight is distributed throughout the foot.
Once you start to notice you have a problem with flat feet, it is time to get to work on fixing it. Even if you do not notice symptoms of the problem right now, it is possible that pain and other symptoms can show up later.
Let’s take a closer look at what flat feet are all about and some of the best treatments that you can use to help solve this problem.
What Are Flat Feet?
Before we dive into some of the home remedies that you can use, it is important to take the time to look at flat feet and what they are all about. A flat foot is a condition where you have a very low arch or no arch at all in your foot.
This means that the foot will start to press flat into the ground any time you take a step or put pressure on it. It is possible for this condition to be congenital, which means that you were born with it, or you may wear out the arches with age.
Most of those who get this condition will end up with no symptoms or side effects. For some, this issue can cause pain and discomfort and they will want to get it fixed as soon as possible.
When the flat foot condition starts to cause you a lot of pain and discomfort, then it is time to find a good treatment to help. The good news is that there are a lot of great options that are available to treat the flat foot and keep you mobile and moving for years to come.
There are a few symptoms that you can notice when you are going through the issue of flat feet. It is likely that you will notice there is some pain in the arch or the heel when the condition gets bad enough and starts to pull on the tendons at the bottom of the foot.
You may notice that the pain will get worse the more active you are. Some patients will notice that there is more swelling than usual in the foot. This is most true when they look along the inside of their ankle.
You may experience one or more of these symptoms at the same time when suffering from flat feet. It is also possible to have flat feet and never notice a symptom at all.
Best Treatments to Eliminate Flat Feet
Now that we know a bit more about flat feet and what happens with this condition, it is time for us to take a closer look at some of the best treatments to help you handle the flat feet and see some relief from the pain that may be bothering you. Some of the best treatment options that you can choose include:
Wear the Right Shoes
The first step to taking care of your flat foot condition and alleviating the pain you feel is to wear some supportive shoes. We all wear shoes each day, but if you do not go for a pair that can fit on your feet well, then you will cause the feet to hurt.
You need to find supportive shoes that will take care of you and give your feet the care they need. For those with flat feet, a good pair of shoes will be one with strong arch support.
This arch support can take some of the pressure off the foot and redistributes some of the weight that you put on the foot while walking around. This can provide you with a good deal of relief from the foot and leg pain you have dealt with.
Be careful when choosing these shoes though. You do not want to get a pair that has a heel too high. Keep the heel lower than 2.25 inches.
Lose Weight
The more pressure that you put onto the feet, the more they are likely to wear out and you will end up with flat feet. Being overweight or obese can greatly increase the chances that you will have flat feet overall as well.
This is why those who are overweight and suffer from flat feet are often recommended to lose weight to help with the condition. If you are able to lose weight, it can take some of the pressure off the feet and will help give you some of the relief that you need.
It can also provide better blood flow to the feet and disperses the pressure, which can cause issues to the feet as well. Find a safe and effective weight loss program to give your feet some relief.
Exercise
While we do mean working out in order to help lose weight, in this case, we are going to discuss some of the exercises that you can do to specifically target the arches and other muscles of the legs so that you can combat the issues of flat feet. There are a lot of good options for this and just a few minutes a day can be enough to give you some of the strength that you need.
You can try out a few different exercises to see which ones feel the best and seem to stretch out the tendon a bit more so that you are strengthening the foot the right way. There are a ton to choose from but using a tennis ball to massage the area, a stair arch raise, and more can be great options to protect your feet too.
Bilt Labs Custom Orthotics For Flat Feet
Another option that you can choose is a pair of custom orthotics. If you have to spend a good deal of time on your feet, then custom orthotics can be the right choice for you.
Bilt Labs stands when it comes to crafting custom insoles for flat feet. This company utilizes advanced orthotics software combined with state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology to create insoles that perfectly conform to the unique contours of flat feet. These personalized insoles are a direct answer to the pain associated with flat feet.
By aligning the foot and providing the necessary arch support, these custom insoles assist in distributing pressure evenly, reducing discomfort, and promoting proper posture.
These orthotics are designed to match up with your feet, which will ensure that you disperse your body weight and can lift some of the burdens from your feet. There are two different types of flat feet that you need to be aware of before choosing custom orthotics.
Knowing which one you have will ensure that you pick out the orthotic that is right for you. The two types of flat feet that you may encounter include:
- Rigid flat feet: If you have a lot of pressure that causes the feet to be flat and remain flat, even when you do not have weight on them, then you are going to suffer from rigid flat feet. You will need to go with an orthotic that has a lower arch to be safe.
- Soft flat feet: If you have a foot that is curved when you have no weight on it, but it goes flat when you add some pressure, then you suffer from flexible flat feet. A higher arch support in the custom orthotic can make sense for this one.
Orthotics can work well for many patients, even for conditions that do not include flat feet. For example, if you have plantar fasciitis or bursitis, you will find that a pair of custom orthotics can help solve some of these problems and give your feet the relief they need.
Tips To Consider When Looking For Custom Orthotics
Flat feet, while a common condition, can lead to a cascade of problems like pain, fatigue, and improper gait. Thankfully, custom orthotics can be a powerful tool in managing discomfort and improving your quality of life. But with so many options available, navigating the world of custom orthotics can feel overwhelming. Here are some key tips to consider when choosing the right ones for your flat feet:
Know Your Needs: Not all flat feet are created equal. Some may experience pain primarily in the heel, while others might struggle with forefoot discomfort. Understanding your specific pain points will help guide your search. Discussing your symptoms with a podiatrist can provide valuable insights into the type of support you need.
Material Matters: Custom orthotics come in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages. Rigid materials like plastic offer excellent arch support and stability, but may not be ideal for those seeking a more flexible option. Thermoformable materials can be heat-molded for a personalized fit and offer good comfort. Discuss material options with your podiatrist to find the best fit for your activity level and preferences.
Function First, Form Second: While custom orthotics can be visually appealing, prioritize function over aesthetics. Look for features like a well-defined arch support that aligns with the natural curve of your foot. Deep heel cups can provide additional stability and control.
Seek Professional Guidance: While online retailers offer custom orthotics, consulting a podiatrist is highly recommended. Podiatrists can assess your specific needs, analyze your gait, and create orthotics tailored to your unique foot structure. This personalized approach ensures optimal support and pain relief.
Trial and Error is Expected: Finding the perfect orthotics may require some experimentation. Discuss a trial period with your podiatrist to ensure the orthotics fit comfortably and effectively address your pain points. Don't hesitate to seek adjustments or explore different materials if needed.
Investing in Comfort: Custom orthotics are an investment in your long-term foot health. While the initial cost might seem high, the potential for pain relief, improved mobility, and reduced risk of future injuries makes them a worthwhile consideration.
By following these tips and seeking guidance from a podiatrist, you can navigate the world of custom orthotics with confidence. Remember, the right orthotics can be a game-changer, transforming flat feet from a source of discomfort to a comfortable foundation for a pain-free, active life.
Finding the Right Treatment for Your Flat Feet
While many people will suffer from problems with flat feet over time, it is important to look for signs of this condition and then take the proper steps to work on healing it and making it feel better. With some of the simple remedies above, you will be able to take control and finally make the issue of flat feet disappear for good.
One solution that you can try when your flat feet start to cause you pain and discomfort is a pair of custom orthotics. Our team at Bilt Labs can provide the best in custom orthotics, all from the comfort of your own home.
With more than 25 years of experience and many great products to choose from, we feel confident that our custom orthotics will help with your flat feet. Take our free quiz today to find out which orthotic type is best for your feet.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health. If you have any questions about your health or are experiencing any medical problems, please contact your doctor or other healthcare provider immediately. Do not delay seeking medical attention based on the information provided in this article.
