3 ways to treat and prevent flat feet

FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

3 Ways To Treat + Prevent

Flat Feet

3 WAYS TO TREAT + PREVENT FLAT FEET

Flat feet, also known as acquired flat foot

disorder, result from a collapsed arch. A fallen

arch causes your foot to roll inwards and your

entire sole comes close to touching the ground.

With a fallen arch, your tendons and

ligaments weaken and cause intense pain

throughout your:• Feet• Ankles• Lower leg muscles

Flat feet can also cause a weakened posture

and discomfort through your hips and lower

back.

Once you have flat feet, this condition will not

go away on its own. Without treatment, your

fallen arches begin to put strain and pressure

on your ankles and knees. The tendons and

ligaments connecting from your feet to your

knees and hips become stressed, leading to

discomfort in your lower body joints.

While surgery can help stabilize your foot and

ankle bones and aid with foot support, we

recommend the following 3 non-surgical ways

to treat and prevent flat feet.

1. Wear comfortable and supportive shoes

with insoles that fully support the arch and

help stabilize the heel.

Look for shoes that are comfortable for both

work and sporting activities. Insoles add

additional support to your shoes and comfort

the arch of your foot.

2. Wear orthotics

that help distribute and minimize pressure in

the foot by providing additional arch support.

Orthotics also aid in realigning your foot's

ankle joints and bones. Orthotics are custom

designed to fit your feet and give you extra

support while walking, standing, and running.

3. Use arch inserts and wraps

that add extra support to your feet, especially

if your shoes lack existing arch support.

Inserts and wraps help alleviate the pain of flat

feet and allow you to last longer on your feet

during the day.

If non-surgical treatments are not working

for you, talk to a podiatrist or

orthopedic doctor.

FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER

For more information about flat feet from the experts at FootSmart and the Podiatry Institute, visit www.footsmart.com/Foot-Health-Resource-Center.