Flat feet may seem like something that can be ignored, as many people live with it across the globe. In actual fact, it’s vital to manage your flat feet, not only to relieve discomfort but to prevent any complications that can have an adverse effect on both your foot and overall health.
For example, people with flat feet are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. As your feet connect your body to the ground, flat feet can affect the rest of your body in negative ways. Poor foot placement can affect the alignment and positioning of the knees and hips, causing undue pressure on the wrong parts of your leg, ultimately leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, flat feet can change how a person walks (the gait) and affect their balance, increasing the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
Thankfully, flat foot orthotics can help correct your flat feet and prevent complications from arising. Flat foot orthotics are specialised shoe inserts designed to support, improve alignment and alleviate discomfort for individuals with fallen arches or flat feet.
While off-the-shelf orthotics offer immediate availability and lower costs, their limited size range and one-size-fits-most approach typically only suit straightforward cases of flat feet. Custom orthoses for flat feet provide superior fit and versatility, catered to each foot. Their personalised design makes them suitable for typical and complex flat foot conditions, ensuring optimal support for each patient’s unique foot structure.
Causes of Flat Feet
Around 25% of the population have flat feet, which can cause pain and discomfort, particularly during prolonged standing or walking. Its more technical name, pes planus, is characterised by the absence of a physiological arch in the foot, often noticeable to the naked eye. This arch is made up of ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones, all of which support body weight and stabilise movement. In flat feet, weakened ligaments and tendons result in arch collapse.
Flat feet, or ‘fallen arches’, can arise from various causes, including genetics, injuries, underlying medical conditions and lifestyle factors. You may be flat footed from childhood, or your feet may have lost their natural arches due to a medical condition. Understanding these causes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of your foot condition.
1. Genetic Factors
Genetics play a significant role in certain types of flat feet. One example is congenital vertical talus, a condition leading to rigid flatfoot deformity from birth. Research has consistently shown that hereditary factors contribute to developing structural abnormalities associated with flat feet.
2. Acquired Flatfoot
Flat feet can also develop over time due to different conditions. Some of these factors include :
- Tight triceps surae – a term used to group the calf muscles – can limit ankle flexibility and affect arch stability.
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common cause of adult-acquired flatfoot and results from the tendon’s inability to support the arch adequately.
- Midfoot laxity, forefoot abduction, or hindfoot external rotation are structural changes in the foot that can contribute to arch collapse.
- Neuromuscular imbalance or conditions such as Charcot’s foot affect the nerves and muscles controlling foot movement and alignment, increasing the risk of flatfoot development.
3. Injuries and Trauma
Foot injuries, particularly to ligaments and tendons, significantly contribute to flat feet, as can nerve dysfunctions.
- Ligament laxity is often responsible for flexible flatfoot and can weaken arch support.
- Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is a condition frequently linked to neuropathy, soft tissue trauma, or bone trauma, and as such, is a leading cause of flatfoot in adults.
- Neuropathy or nerve dysfunction causing weakness or numbness in the foot and ankle can reduce the foot’s ability to maintain its arch.
- Soft tissue trauma occurs due to overuse or injury to the foot’s tendons and ligaments, potentially leading to insufficient arch support.
- Bone trauma can compromise its structural integrity, leading to flat feet.
4. Medical Conditions
Underlying health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can significantly contribute to flatfoot development:
- Rheumatoid arthritis causes deformities and structural changes in the foot, leading to arch collapse.
- Inflammation and damage to foot joints and bones further weaken the foot’s support system, increasing the likelihood of flat feet.
5. Lifestyle and Physical Factors
Certain lifestyle and physical conditions can also lead to flat feet over time, such as obesity and age:
- Excess weight places additional strain on the ligaments and tendons of the foot, often resulting in a flattened arch. Studies show a higher prevalence of flat feet among individuals with higher body weight.
- Ageing causes tendons and ligaments to lose elasticity and strength, reducing the support for the foot’s arch. This gradual weakening often leads to a collapse of the arch structure, especially in older adults.
If left untreated, flat feet can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when standing or walking for extended periods. Over time, the condition can lead to other complications, including plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis and Achilles tendinitis.
Benefits of Flat Foot Orthoses
Orthotics, or specialised shoe inserts, are designed to support the foot and improve its alignment, making them an effective intervention for flat feet. They provide arch support, cushioning and stability, helping to relieve pain, improve foot function and prevent injuries or complications caused by flat feet.
There’s no single best orthotic for flat feet, as each case differs. That’s why orthotics come in different types, classified by their rigidity:
- Soft orthotics, often insoles, are made from comfortable materials like foam or gel. They redistribute pressure across the foot, offering cushioning and support to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Rigid orthotics are made from durable materials like plastic or carbon fibre. These are designed to correct mechanical issues like overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot) or other alignment problems, improving the overall function of the foot and lower limb.
- Semi-rigid orthotics combine soft and rigid materials to provide both cushioning and support. They are ideal for moderate flat feet where the arch is present but not functioning optimally. These orthotics can reduce the strain from walking or running in these cases.
Each type of orthotics is tailored to meet the individual’s needs, whether for daily use or to address specific alignment and gait issues.
Flat Foot Orthotics At The Foot Practice
The Foot Practice provides precision and quality in every custom orthotic solution. We use advanced technology to assess best your feet condition, including the best-in-class 3D Pro Sensors for scanning foot structure and a specialised pressure treadmill to analyse movement patterns. This cutting-edge approach allows us to create highly accurate orthotic inserts, custom insoles, and high-quality orthotics designed to correct foot function and enhance your overall mobility.
We use only the highest-quality materials for our custom insoles to ensure the best results. Off-the-rack insoles may seem cheaper at first glance, but they must be frequently replaced as they are far less durable than the materials we use. Depending on your specific needs, materials such as PA11 Nylon or Carbon Fibre may be used for their excellent shock absorption and durability. We offer insoles made from sustainable polypropylene for patients requiring more rigid support.
Those needing extra cushioning in high-pressure areas may benefit from custom insoles incorporating softer materials. We also provide eco-friendly options crafted from sustainable, recycled materials for our environmentally conscious patients.
We understand that time matters when it comes to relieving foot discomfort. In most cases, we can provide insoles on the same day as your appointment or complete your custom insoles within 3 days to 2 weeks following your initial assessment. Our efficient production process ensures quick delivery without compromising on quality or precision.
During your follow-up fitting session, you’ll have the opportunity to see the real-time impact of your orthotics. Using the Zebris RehaWalk® system and infrared gait analysis, we demonstrate how your custom orthotics redistribute foot pressures and improve alignment. With these personalised solutions, you can look forward to enhanced comfort, better foot health, and improved performance in daily activities or sports.
At The Foot Practice, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal foot function with tailored, high-quality flat-foot orthotic solutions. Make your appointment today to build back towards healthy feet and healthy living.
