Flat feet is a condition that is either present from early childhood or develops in adulthood. It involves the arches of the feet collapsing and flattening almost entirely and coming into contact with the ground when standing. It can cause pain and discomfort in the heel area as a result of excessive strain on the ligaments in the foot. You can have this condition in one or both feet. If you have flat feet, this predisposes you to many other podiatric issues, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, bunions, and even shin splints.
One of the ways pain and discomfort from flat feet can be helped is through the use of arch supports. These are shoe inserts that perform a very important function. Let’s take a closer look.
Reduce Symptoms of Flat Feet
Arch supports are designed to fit inside your shoes and provide an extra layer between your foot and the ground, which helps reduce pressure on the arch area while still allowing natural movement of the foot muscles. Arch supports can help distribute the weight of the body more evenly across the foot, instead of on one area, thereby reducing the strain on the arches and relieving pain and discomfort.
Improve Foot Alignment
Flat feet can cause the feet to roll inward (overpronation), which can lead to misalignment of the feet and lower legs. Arch supports can help correct this misalignment by supporting the arches and reducing the degree of pronation. This can improve the overall alignment of the feet and lower legs, reducing the risk of injury and improving athletic performance.
Increase Stability and Balance
Since arch supports improve alignment, it also provides a good foundation for the entire body, giving you stability and balance, as well as greater control over your movement. This is highly necessary, especially for athletes. Improved balance reduces the risk of falls and other sports injuries.
Improve Shock Absorption
Arch supports can also improve shock absorption, which can reduce the strain on the feet and lower legs. Flat feet can make the feet more prone to shock-related injuries, such as stress fractures. Arch supports can help absorb the shock of impact during physical activities, reducing the risk of injury, and keeping you playing better and longer.
While you can purchase arch supports over the counter, custom arch supports are always a better choice. A podiatrist can fit you for custom orthotics, which are specially designed for your unique foot structure. If you are an athlete or maintain a physically active lifestyle, don’t settle for less in terms of quality and customization. This is a very good investment if you are serious about injury prevention and athletic performance.
Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet in San Antonio, TX
The podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas can assess your foot’s unique needs and fit you for custom orthotics. We have streamlined this process, and we can now take measurements of your foot with greater comfort. Whether the issue is flat feet, high arches, or another podiatry condition, our doctors have the experience you seek for high-quality foot and ankle services.
If you are interested in custom orthotics, schedule an appointment with one of our foot and ankle doctors by calling our location nearest you or using our convenient online request form.
