What Causes Flat Feet And Fallen Arches?
What Causes Flat Feet And Fallen Arches?
Most of us are actually born with flat feet. As we age, the arches of our feet start to develop naturally as we stand, learn to walk, and begin to strengthen them.
Unfortunately, for some people, what causes flat feet is the arches in the foot not developing appropriately and staying flat throughout their life. To cope with this, many people practice flat feet exercises and use shoe inserts, such as our best insoles for flat feet. There are several conditions which can cause flat feet, and these include:
- Damage to the bones in the foot and/or ankle
- Conditions such as Arthritis which affects the bones and soft tissue.
- Torn tendons (especially the Posterior Tibial Tendon).
- Obesity – the excessive weight placed on the tendons will cause the arch to collapse.
- Ageing – with age, our tendons can become weaker and cannot provide flat feet support.
- Pregnancy
Flat Feet Pain Treatment
Orthotic Shoe Insoles for flat feet are an excellent option. The best option for flat feet treatment is a pair of FootActive orthotic (arch support) insoles. These can provide flat feet support to stabilise the heel and reduce flat feet pain. These are the best insoles for flat feet, and can stop any inward rolling of the foot, preventing the excessive strain on the knees, hips, and lower back.
Flat feet exercises are another beneficial method to counteract flat feet pain. Along with using the best insoles for flat feet, this is another extremely useful form of flat feet treatment and is hugely beneficial for those who suffer from flat feet pain. Many people who need flat feet support also suffer from shortened Achilles Tendons known as Achilles tendonitis. Flat feet exercises to stretch the tendon can help with flat feet support. Check out our stretching videos here.
Flat Feet FAQs
How Do I Know If I Have Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition where the feet have no arch present whatsoever. When a sufferer of flat feet stands on a hard surface, their entire foot makes ground contact. If you find that your feet lay completely flat on a hard surface, you can use shoe inserts as a form of flat feet treatment to counteract the effect flat feet pain has and appropriately and maintain flat feet support.
What Causes Flat Feet?
What causes flat feet can come down to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Flat feet are typically a genetic factor that passes from parent to child. However, flat feet can also be caused by several other variables. This can include injury to the foot or ankle, suffering from arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, inflicting damage to the tibial tendon or even suffering from some types of nervous system or muscular diseases.
Why Does My Child Have Flat Feet?
Flat feet are quite common in children, as we are all born with flat feet. It takes time for arches to form in the feet of children and some will take longer than others. If the arch never forms in their feet, your child is naturally flat-footed. What causes flat feet in children can come down to a variety of factors, and symptoms can span from high levels of discomfort to no issues whatsoever. Fortunately, there are various types of orthopaedic insoles for flat feet that can be adjusted no matter the shoe size.
Can Flat Feet Be Problematic?
Flat feet are often associated with over-pronation, a condition where the ankles roll inward. As the ankles roll inward, the biomechanical chain connecting our ankles, knees, hips, and lower back are no longer aligned. Causing stress, pain, and general discomfort to these joints. The best insoles for flat feet can ease the tension created from this condition and provide some relief alongside regular flat feet exercises.
Can Flat Feet Get Worse Over Time?
If untreated, symptoms of flat feet are likely to worsen over time. Most symptoms directly caused by flat feet occur because of added strain to the muscles, joints and ligaments from our feet to our lower back. If nothing is done to alleviate the stress, it will continuously apply to these areas. A combination of flat feet exercises and stretches with wearing the best insoles for flat feet can help to alleviate this strain.
What Can I Do To Help Flat Feet?
FootActive arch support insoles are the best insoles for flat feet and are commonly used to help alleviate symptoms of flat feet. Due to the built-in arch, assisting with flat feet, they are held in the correct position and the biomechanical chain starts to re-align. This can reduce the stress and strain on the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
We have many great solutions with flat feet insoles and a variety of other foot problems, which you will find in the menu above. If you want to find out more about what the best insoles for flat feet are, please see the recommended products below, or contact us directly.