Flat feet is a term commonly used to describe feet that pronate (roll in) excessively, resulting in the loss or reduction of the arch profile. Flat feet tend to have a negative connotation; however, the fact is that most feet pronate to some degree when a person is weight bearing. It is the degree of pronation, the ability to resupinate (to form an arch profile) and the flexibility or rigidity of the foot that should be considered. Fixed (rigid) flat feet can be associated with some congenital and neurological conditions and tend to be more problematic and difficult to treat conservatively. On the other hand, flexible (mobile) flat feet are commonly treated by Podiatrists, especially when a person is symptomatic.
When flat feet pronate excessively and repetitively, it may cause a number of symptoms in the feet, legs and back. For example, a patient may present with heel pain, whereby the main cause of that pain is excessive pronation (flat feet); and so, by identifying flat feet as the cause of the pain, a Podiatrist is then able to implement mechanical treatment to manage the pronation, and in turn the presenting symptoms. Podiatrists typically treat symptomatic flat feet by undertaking a biomechanical assessment and analysis and implementing footwear changes or orthotic therapy.
Whilst off the shelf insoles and orthotics may be helpful in some instances, it is important to note that each person’s prescription for treatment will vary, so customised orthotic therapy is recommended in most instances.
The Comfort Co Breakdown - What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, caused by excessive pronation, can lead to pain in the feet, legs, and back. Podiatrists address this with biomechanical assessments, footwear adjustments, and orthotic therapy, often recommending customised orthotics for effective and personalised treatment.
The Comfort Co Solutions
Good news! Avoiding pronation is essentially what The Comfort Co does! You've come to the right place. If your flat feet have got to a level where you need to go to a Podiatrist for specialised treatment, please do that. Otherwise, let's get it sorted!
Arch Support
Built in - Get yourself a pair of shoes with arch support built in and feel the difference straight away! The majority of the range available on The Comfort Co has exceptional arch support built in. However, many of our customers rave about the support found in Vionic shoes.
Insoles - If your shoes don't have arch support built in, but you love them anyway, there's no reason to fret. Get yourself a pair of insoles to turn any shoes into the arch support wonders your podiatrist will love! Check out the Vitasole Orthotic Insoles.
