Feb 13
21
Scientific research has proven that our foot health is connected to the health of the entire body. When feet are not functioning optimally, it affects other joints and muscles in ankles, knees and spine. Flat feet is one of the foot conditions that not only causes leg fatigue and discomfort, but can eventually lead to development of a host of more serious foot problems. Flat feet are caused by excessive pronation (feet rolling inwards) which make arches susceptible to collapsing. The first line of defense and usually the best alternative for correcting flat feet is wearing supportive shoes which also include arch support.
If you have flat feet, insoles that support the arch and stabilize the heel need to be worn at all times, irrespective of what kind shoes you wear. Insoles are available in many materials, sizes, and widths, so you can choose the best fit for your foot’s contours and dimensions. If you choose to obtain regular, off-the-shelf insoles, you ideally need to have a pair for each piece of footwear you own, since many tend to wear out quickly.
If you order a custom orthotic insole to provide flat foot support, you should consider including an arch brace. It offers additional support and further minimizes foot discomfort. For those who prefer to wear high heels, you need to obtain insoles which transfer body weight from the ball of the foot to the heel. For footwear which has small toe boxes, ¾ insole length is typically required to leave extra space for placement of toes.
The rigidity of shoe insoles varies depending on how your foot reacts to them. Insoles made from rigid material typically have plastic shells, while others have a spring system or are made from softer, more flexible materials which provide greater cushioning. If you choose insoles with plastic shell, you need to ensure they fit your footwear correctly to prevent the weight from transferring to points on your foot that would cause you more discomfort. Most people choose insoles made from softer materials to treat flat feet.
Custom-made orthotic insoles used to be available by prescription only at your podiatrist’s office. Today, you can order pre-made orthotic insoles online and achieve a similar result as with those designed by a podiatrist. However, keep in mind that if you choose to obtain insoles from your podiatrist, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 – $400 per pair. Whichever option you choose, remember to do some comparative shopping before investing in them, as prices vary between manufacturers.
