FLAT feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are flattened, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing. The condition has been purported to lead to complications such as leg pain to scary and critical-sounding health issues like foot and spine deformities. Certain merchants even to peddle expensive orthotic insoles which they claim can cure flat feet by restoring the fallen arches.
However, is it true that flat feet contribute to serious health problems, and if so, are insoles effective in treating them?
Verdict:
SOMEWHAT TRUE
Despite the frightening diagnoses, flat feet are a very common condition and many people with flat feet do not experience any issues or symptoms in their lifetime.
Flat feet can develop as a result of natural wear-and-tear with age or after an injury. However, they could also be genetic – some people are simply born without foot arches!
You can perform this simple self-assessment to check if you have flat feet:
1. Wet the soles of your feet. Then, stand on a surface where your footprints will be visible, such as a piece of cardboard or a concrete floor.
2. Examine the wet footprint left behind. If you have a typical arch, you will see a curve on the inside of your footprint connecting the ball of your foot to your heel. This is known as a normal or neutral arch.
3. If your entire foot leaves a complete imprint on the surface, with little or no visible arch, it suggests you may have flat feet or fallen arches.
A licensed podiatrist or orthopaedic specialist can provide a more in-depth assessment of your foot structure and gait.
The general rule of thumb is that an individual with flat feet does not need treatment unless they are experiencing pain, discomfort or mobility issues.
Although the majority do not suffer any ill-effects from flat feet, others are not so lucky.
In general, the purpose of the arch is to allow your feet to support the weight of your body. When the arches are fallen, it can affect one's posture and place extra strain on other parts of the lower body, such as the ankles, Achilles tendon, hips or back.
Poor posture and gait that results from flat feet can contribute to injuries – especially when performing strenuous exercise – or health complications such as ankle and back pain.
If you have flat feet and experience discomfort, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional who will assess any potential underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.
What about insoles, then?
Unfortunately, insoles are not a miracle cure-all for fallen arches. As flat feet are primarily an anatomical issue, insoles and supportive footwear alone cannot "restore" the arch.
However, that is not to say that they are completely useless.
As mentioned previously, the bulk of health issues attributed to flat feet result from poor posture and unnatural strain on other parts of the body.
Insoles can help correct these issues and provide additional support to your feet in place of their natural arches.
This support helps distribute pressure more evenly across the foot and can reduce strain on other muscles and ligaments.
This can improve overall foot function and relieve discomfort.
The important thing to remember is that while insoles can offer significant relief, they do not change the actual structure of the foot.
Additionally, you may not need insoles if your flat feet do not cause you discomfort.
Flat feet remain flat, even with the use of insoles; anyone who claims otherwise is misinformed (or trying to sell you a product you don't need).
For more severe cases where supportive footwear like insoles do not provide sufficient relief, other interventions may be considered.
This includes physical therapy, and in very rare cases, surgery to repair the structures that are causing the pain.
When in doubt, always consult with a professional who can recommend the most appropriate course of action based on your individual needs.
References:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168608
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17005-flat-feet
