What causes flat feet?

Flat feet can be congenital (you're born with them), or develop over time due to weakened arch muscles, tendon damage, overpronation, arthritis, or injury. Age, weight, and pregnancy can contribute to arch collapse. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, while others have significant pain.

Do flat feet need to be treated?

Not all flat feet require treatment. If you have no pain or functional limitations, treatment may not be necessary. However, if flat feet cause pain, fatigue, or contribute to other conditions, treatment options include proper footwear, arch support, stretching, strengthening exercises, and custom orthotics.

What's the best arch support for flat feet?

Options range from over-the-counter insoles and orthofeet-style shoes to custom orthotics. Most people benefit from a combination of supportive shoes and orthotics. The best choice depends on your specific needs, biomechanics, and budget. Many people benefit from trying different options to find what works.

Can you fix flat feet with exercises?

Strengthening exercises can help manage flat feet and slow progression, particularly if combined with proper footwear. Key exercises include arch strengthening, calf stretches, toe scrunches with a towel, and balance exercises. Exercises work best when combined with proper support and footwear.

Never thought I’d be joining a foot group but here I am look

From Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

Never thought I’d be joining a foot group but here I am looking for some opinions! I’m 25 years old with 2 young kids (2&5) with very flat feet and a very sore bunion!! I’ve always been flat footed but the bunion along with the pain has been increasing in the past 5 years. I saw a podiatrist a little over a year ago who, after doing X-rays, recommended custom orthotics (which I couldn’t afford at the time) and toe cushions, exercises and a brace to wear at night. I’ve been doing that for the past 18 months pretty much every day. The cramps I get in the sole of my feet after removing the space savers at the end of the day are insane. I use a tennis ball to roll out the cramps but I’m not sure how much more I can handle. Since it has been over a year I need a new referral to see the podiatrist again, however I’m going to ask for a second opinion. Long story short my question is, if it’s recommended, should I have the surgery sooner rather than later (or at all)? I do have a job where I am required to be on my feet for %80 of a normal work day, however they have already told me I would be accommodated for. See less

orthotics surgery custom orthotics massage percutaneous minimally invasive

Comments (2)

My advice would be the sooner the better, I put it off for years and ended up getting arthritis in my big toe...I had my bunion surgery this morning

Community member

I agree with Cori Weiner.. Invest in good shoes. I would skip the spacers, but massage and stretch stretch your feet. I think the spacers are doing more harm than good. I've had bunions almost all my life and put off surgery until now. ( I'm 72) I had a child to raise and was an art teacher for 40 years.. always on my feet.. It never seemed to be a good time. You have 2 young children and a job that need you. I think you can buy time by buying good quality shoes that fit you correctly. It made the world of difference for me. See if you can find a store near you that caters to people with problem feet. They will measure you correctly and make recommendations. Google " shoes for bunions" that will give you an idea of brands, styles and prices. I waited for years and finally had minimally invasive percutaneous bunion and hammertoe surgery last week. Good luck to you!

Community member