Flat feet
A foot has two arches in two directions - an arch along the length of the foot and one across the forefoot. With flat feet, the fore arch is smaller or is completely missing.
What is Flat foot?
The Latin term for flat foot is pes planus which means flat foot.
The flat foot causes the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground.
The forefoot will start to turn outwards and often the heel will turn inwards. Pronation is mentioned many times in connection with flat feet, but the word pronation simply describes the body's innate ability to handle shock absorption. If our arch cannot give way when we walk on hard surfaces, it will give powerful shocks further in the body. It is only when the word overpronation is used that it refers to flatfoot or pes planus.
Normally, people have two different types of flat foot. A flexible flat foot happens when one has an arch when standing on the toes, and a rigid flat foot is when the arch does not appear when standing on the toes.
What are the cause of being or becoming flatfooted?
There can be various reasons why you are or have become flatfooted. In some cases, it's seen that it is congenital and hereditary - but in most cases, it has a connection with:
- What footwear you wear
- You have walked and stood a lot on hard surfaces
- You have diseases such as arthritis, diabetes or anything else that can affect the feet
- Overweight
- Injuries
What can you do to prevent flat feet?
The first step is to choose footwear that provides plenty of space for your foot - in length, width and height. Footwear with a high heel should be avoided as they move the pressure from the heel to the forefoot. The forefeet are not made to withstand this type of pressure.
There are so many different kinds of footwear to choose from – and it can be difficult to know what good and sensible footwear is. There's a difference between whether the footwear will be used for parties, daily life, or exercise. Daily footwear should be some of the best you have and be good for your feet.
Footwear should protect your feet and make your gait as natural as possible.
Shoes must fit your feet - the feet should fit the shoes!
Many people who are flatfooted find it easier to get heel pain, hammer toes and bumps. The fact that you get increased pressure on your forefoot also means that you are more exposed to getting hard skin in combination with corns under the forefoot.
Our body is so well made that if there is too much pressure somewhere where there should not be, it immediately starts producing more skin to protect the area that is exposed to the extra pressure.
This can give results such as very hard skin on the bone heads under the forefoot.
If you do not relieve the pressure in the form of sensible footwear and insoles, well, then the hard skin will remain with corns eventually forming in the hard skin - and it is quite painful. When you have pain in your feet, you unconsciously change your way of walking, and this can cause pain elsewhere in the body. This can be ankle, knee, hip, lumbar, neck and headaches.
It would be nice and easy if all these ailments came from the feet - then all problems can be solved with buying sensible footwear and insoles. But it is a really good idea to start by having your feet examined and getting good advice and guidance.
It's a good place to start from.
Maybe you need an insole?
It's a good idea to look into whether your wrong posture can be relieved with an insole.
In many cases, an insole can help alleviate your discomfort. An insole aims to relieve, support, correct and, to some extent, train the feet. This means that pressure is distributed so that pain and discomfort lessen, and thereby your gait is improved.
There are many different types of insoles that can relieve your bump. If you have misalignments such as flat feet or hollow feet, there is a greater risk of developing problems with your feet, and in such a case you can really benefit from an insole.
Standard insoles can truly help a lot of people. Read more about our insoles Korrektor® and our shock-absorbing soles Protektor®.
Sometime, a standard insole is not enough and there is need for an insole that is especially made for you so that you are supported exactly where your feet need it.
It is important not to go too long with the pain - see a doctor - podiatrist, orthotists or a physiotherapist to get an assessment of the cause and get suggestions for treatment.
You can get the world's best insole – but if the insole and footwear are not a good fit, you won't get the help you need. If you use insoles, it's especially important that the footwear has plenty of space, a stable heel cover and that it's firmly attached to the feet.