How Custom Orthotics Can Help Flat Feet

You may experience difficulty walking, running, or standing for long periods of time if you’re among the 8% of Americans age 21 and older with flat feet. Our feet carry the full weight of our bodies and endure even more stress when we participate in athletic activities or carry heavy items.

At Renew Foot & Ankle, LLC, double board-certified podiatrist Eric Gilbertson, DPM, FACFAS, treats patients with flat feet in Grand Rapids and Bigfork, Minnesota. Custom orthotics commonly relieve flat feet pain so you can continue the physical activities you enjoy.

Symptoms and causes of flat feet

As the name suggests, people with flat feet don’t have a curve on the soles of their feet. When someone with flat feet stands or walks, the entire surface of the foot touches the ground. 

The arches of our feet form during the toddler years, and almost all babies are born with flat feet. If they don’t develop arches during childhood, or if you experience injury, diabetes, or obesity, you could end up with flat feet. Flat feet may also result as a part of the natural aging process.

Some people with flat feet are lucky and do not experience discomfort or pain. Others may fatigue quickly when walking long distances, experience pain or discomfort in their hips and legs due to the change of their leg’s alignment, or have impaired function of their knees and ankles.

If you experience discomfort or complications due to your flat feet, Dr. Gilbertson invites you to the office for diagnosis and treatment.

Can better shoes fix flat feet problems? 

It’s true wearing supportive shoes can help relieve discomfort and pain caused by flat feet, but the shape and size of your feet are unique. The amount or lack of arch varies from person to person, and it isn’t possible to find a pair of shoes that perfectly fit and support the unique shape of your feet. 

Supportive shoes may help relieve discomfort, but they can’t fix the complications of flat feet.

On the other hand, custom orthotics are shoe inserts designed exactly to the shape, size, and arch of your feet. When you visit Dr. Gilbertson, he’ll recommend the type of custom orthotics that best address your problems,including:

• Footpads
• Shoe inserts
• Arch supports
• Ankle braces

Custom orthotics provide a non-invasive and nonsurgical method to improve the function of your feet and ankles that supportive shoes from the store can’t achieve.

How custom orthotics help

Flat foot discomfort is typically felt in your knees or ankles. Wearing custom orthotics helps support your feet to eliminate that discomfort. While reducing discomfort, orthotics also help you avoid the need for surgery or postpone surgery.

You may have seen orthotics in the store, but just like buying shoes, they’re not custom designed to your feet, so they can’t offer the same level of relief as custom orthotics. Be careful, as off-the-shelf orthotics can also potentially increase your condition or pain.

The experienced team at Renew Foot & Ankle provides a comprehensive evaluation and reviews your medical history to discover the root cause of your feet issues and find the appropriate solution to relieve your discomfort.

Schedule an appointment with Renew Foot & Ankle today to find out if custom orthotics can help you. Call the office nearest you or book an appointment online.