Many people live painlessly with flat feet, but the condition can cause multiple complications. Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can have numerous causes such as an abnormality that's present from birth, damaged or torn tendons, health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or even nerve damage. This occurs when the tendons in your feet aren't working together to create the tension required for supporting that arch. That snug fit will help keep your foot stable and supported, he explains.While most people's feet have a moderate raised arch, creating that drawn-in 'waist' in our footprints, some feet are completely flat to the floor. What should you look for in an insole?Īn over-the-counter (OTC) insole should have a heel cup that sits directly under your heel and is deep enough to hug the sides of it, Erik Sims, DPM, managing partner at Sims & Associates Podiatry in New York, tells SELF. If you deal with any of these discomforts, an insole could help provide more support and stability-and hopefully relieve some of your pain, Alissa Kuizinas, DPM, a podiatrist at Wellness in Motion Boston, tells SELF. And flat feet can cause your ankles and lower legs to roll inward, which can lead to shin splints (especially if you’re a runner). They may also increase your likelihood of developing calluses, as the inside of your foot has a greater tendency to rub and chafe against your shoes.

That said, if you sit or stand for long periods of time, flat feet can contribute to pain in your hips, knees, and arches. Are insoles helpful for flat feet?įor most people, having flat feet isn’t a major problem, Nelya Lobkova, DPM, a surgical podiatrist and founder of Tribeca Podiatry in New York City, tells SELF. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as adding a high-quality insole to your footwear. Not to mention, it’s beyond frustrating when you buy a pair you really like, only to realize it doesn’t provide enough support for your arches. Whether you’ve had flat feet all your life, or developed them as the result of injury or pregnancy, you know how difficult it can be to find a shoe that fits and actually feels good.

Dr scholl's for flat feet