When you suffer from a condition known as flat feet, you will often have to worry about some of the pain and discomfort that is going to come from this condition. When the arch support starts to go out, you may notice that the tendon on the bottom of the foot will stretch and not work as well as before, and when it gets bad enough, this can affect your mobility.
Rather than dealing with the pain and hoping that it will go away, a better solution is for you to consider whether a pair of insoles with good arch support will be able to help you out. Let’s take a closer look at what flat feet are and some of the things you can consider before purchasing insoles with arch support to help.
What is the disorder known as Flat Feet?
First, we need to take a look at the condition of flat feet. This is a condition of the foot where the arches on the inside of the feet are going to start to flatten out due to some of the pressure on them. When those with this condition are standing, the feet will point out and the entire sole of the feet can start to go down and touch the floor.
It is possible for this condition to begin developing during the childhood of the patient, though there are those who may experience it when they are older due to an injury or some of the wear and tear that comes with age. Proper care of the feet and considering some good arch supports could be the solution that you need.
The Symptoms of Flat Feet
In many cases, this issue is not going to cause any pain and you will not need to seek out treatment if this is the case for you. But some people who have this condition may notice that there is pain that accompanies it. This pain will often be felt in the arch or the heel area of the foot and it can get worse if you are active.
For some patients, it is possible to notice swelling along the inside of the ankle as well. If the pain gets bad enough that it is hard to move around often and doesn’t seem to get better, then it may be time to discuss the issue with your doctor.
Risk Factors of Having a Flat Foot
There are also a few risk factors that you should consider when it comes to flat feet. These are things that make it more likely that you will suffer from flat feet if you are not careful to avoid them. Some of these risk factors include:
- Aging
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Injury to the ankle or the foot
- Obesity
If you have one or more of these factors, you are more likely to have an issue with a flat foot and it is more likely to cause you pain as well. A good pair of arch support insoles for flat feet can help correct the condition.
What to Consider When Buying the Best Arch Supports for Flat Feet
Now that we know a bit more about flat feet and why it can be a problem, it is time to take a look at what to consider when picking out a pair of insoles that has the right arch support to support the flat feet in the first place. Arch support can be great for relieving the pain and pressure of flat feet, but you need to make sure that you are choosing the right one for you.
Some of the things to consider when picking out insoles for your flat feet include
Consider Whether Your Feet Are Flexible or Rigid Before Wearing Custom Insoles
You may have flat feet, but are they flexible or rigid? If you have rigid feet, the foot will still appear flat if you place the foot over onto the opposite knee. However, if you have a flexible flat foot, then the arch will still appear when you do this same action. The one you have will determine the type of arch support you need.
For patients who have rigid flat feet, you need to go with a low arch height to provide some support, but not too much. For flexible flat feet, you should choose more of a medium arch height for the best comfort.
Understand the Characteristics of a Good Custom Insole for Flat Feet
There are many types of insoles that you can choose from, but not all of them are going to be right for your flat feet as they are meant to help with other conditions. You need to have a good idea of the qualities that need to be found in insoles for flat feet to make sure that you get the right one.
The first quality to look for is a low supportive arch. If you go with an arch that is too high and firm, it will cause pain. And one that has a soft arch is going to provide relief, but it will be temporary. You may have to try a few on to make sure they fit your needs.
The second thing to consider is an insole that has stabilization in the heel. You need a heel cup that is deep to help the fatty pad concentration under the bone. This can prevent issues with overpronation and increase shock absorption.
Understanding Custom Insole Sizing
There are different sizes that you can choose when it comes to your insole. Usually, these are done based on the shoe size range. This means that if you are wearing a shoe that is size 9.5, you would want to go with ones that are between 8 to 9 or 10 to 11.
If you are going with a full-length insole, you should check how it fits in your shoe and then trim off the length that you do not need after it has been placed into the shoe. Usually, the ones that are ¾ length will not need any trimming in the shoe at all.
Recognize the Position of the Custom Arch Support Insoles
Many of the full-length insoles are going to be designed to replace the insole that is already found in the shoe. You may want to go with a full-length insole that is thin and flat to make sure that you are getting the most comfort and fit when they are in the existing insole.
However, if you go with a ¾ length insole, you will need to place it on top of the insole that is already in the shoe. If it is one of the insert pieces, then place it either on top of the existing shoe insole or right under it. Inserts will often come with instructions on how you should set them in the shoe properly.
Examine the Footbed Type of the Custom Arch Support Insoles
In most cases, insoles and even orthotic arch supports will come in one of four footbed types. These can include:
- No arch support
- Flat-cushion
- Semi-rigid
- Rigid
Choosing the type of footbed you will need depends on why you need the insole in the first place. Keep in mind that with flat feet, you will need to have some arch support, so look for an insole that provides that.
Consider the Materials Used in Your Custom Arch Support Insoles
And finally, you need to understand the materials that are used in your insole and the advantages of each type. There are four main materials found in insoles, though there are also some unique ones you can consider as well. You can talk with your doctor to determine which material is going to work for you. The four main types to look at include
- Foam
- Gel
- Cork
- Leather
While each of these can have some benefits, choosing the material that you would like in your orthotic will depend on your preference and the amount of support that you would need. For example, if you need pressure relief and support, then foam is going to be a good choice. If you need some shock absorption, then you would want to go with gel in the insole instead.
Working with Your Doctor to Pick the Best Flat Foot Insoles
When you suffer from flat feet, it is important to find a good pair of insoles that will provide you with some of the support that you need and can relieve a bit of the foot pain that is causing you a lot of issues. Working with your podiatrist to consider insoles and whether they can provide the necessary arch support can be a smart decision.
Our team is ready to help you with any foot condition that may cause you pain and discomfort, including flat feet. Take our free analysis to help determine what type of orthotics will be best for you. When you are ready, give us a call or leave your information so we can get you started on your journey to healthier feet, and a happier life.