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.

Shock wave therapy post I’m sure this has been posted a numb

From Bunion Surgery / Foot Surgery Support

Shock wave therapy post I’m sure this has been posted a number of times but I just thought I’d ask! Iv been referred for shockwave therapy and wanted peoples opinions on it, did it work for you? Was there a recovery time? For information I’m 25 and have had planta since November, I also wear insoles for flat feet, do the physio exercises and have seen no improvement.

orthotics Birkenstock shockwave therapy cortisone orthotics none

Comments (5)

I did 6.. all a week apart. Yeah .. painful for days after . But now …. I’d say my PF is 70% better. I am now incorporating a lot of stretches … vitamins …new shoes .. and oils etc… shockwave helped me … but this alone isn’t gonna fix me or keep me dancing.

Community member

Did calf stretches and used my hand held messager on my calf muscles Do wear orthotics in my sketchers I wear Birkenstocks when not wearing sketchers Wear soft foam slip ons at home Heat worked for me Cleared up my PF on my own Maybe I did not have it as bad as others I was on a 2 week trip with lots of walking up and down cobblestone hills in Portugal 4 th day into trip I had so much heel pain I hobbled around for the next weeks Was very painful I did take Celebrex and xtra strength Tylenol while on trip It took me 3 months to recover but much better now No more pain Did this on my own reading lots of info Everyone’s severity is different This worked for me ‘ Was told by excellent medical sources not to get Cortisone shots It’s a temporary relief but not a solution plus very painful to get Same with the laser

Community member

Well apparently resting the foot is pretty important to get rid of PF. I am on my feet for work in steel toe boots on concrete for 12+ hrs/day, there’s no real rest. Looking for recommendations on the most comfortable work boot. Thanks Have tried a number of different insoles so far with no real results.

Community member

Egernox i think they are called but im trying mack boots right now with stryda_movement insoles

Community member

Yep definitely try Ergonx. I work in retail and am on my feet in toe caps for anywhere up to 10/11 hours a day. My feet still hurt, but these shoes/boots have been the best I’ve found.

Community member