Pes planus. It’s the medical term for flat feet: a condition where one or both feet have little to no arch, and which affects more than 30% of the U.S. population.
Some people are born with flat feet. Others develop the condition later in life, possibly as a result of pregnancy, injury, obesity, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or simply old age. Common symptoms include leg cramps, toe drift, and pain in the arch, ankle, heel, and/or muscles of the foot or leg – especially while walking.
Regardless of their condition’s origin, anyone with flat feet stands much to gain by choosing the right shoes. The best shoes for flat feet provide support and alignment that the wearer’s inadequate or nonexistent arch(es) cannot. They reduce strain on muscles and ligaments by distributing the wearer’s weight more evenly as well.
Reduced pain. Greater comfort while walking. Improved stability, and less risk of injury as a result. If those sound like worthwhile goals, then here’s everything you should look for in your next pair of shoes.
Support
You are specifically looking for a shoe that provides support in three key areas: the sole, the arch, and the heel.
- Sole – Firm, yet cushioned. Flexible, yet not floppy. The ideal sole moves with your foot’s natural movements instead of fighting against them, and provides adequate support while you’re walking or standing.
- Arch – When an arch is present, it provides support to the foot. When it is absent, the shoe can help pick up the slack. Choose footwear with raised arches that reduce pressure on the middles of the feet. Doing so is crucial to aligning the feet so they are at lower risk of injury.
- Heel – Do you wear sandals? Unless they wrap securely around your feet, don’t. The ideal shoes fully enclose the heels, thus assuring they stay in contact with the wearer’s feet at all times. And just to be sure: flip-flops are a no-go.
Raised Heel
The right shoes don’t just have supportive heels. Their heels are also slightly raised, which helps reduce pain by relieving pressure from the midsole. High heels are okay for occasional wear, but “raised heel” in this case really only means 1 to 2 inches of elevation. If you’re purchasing athletic shoes, look for a pair with significant drop (i.e. distance in cushioning between the heel and the toe).
Laces
A proper shoe for flat foot must have laces (or, alternatively, velcro straps). These allow the shoe to adjust and conform to the upper foot, which helps it provide greater support, keep the sole securely in place, and evenly distribute the wearer’s weight. When shoes fit snugly (but not too tightly), they can help prevent the wearer from developing serious gait issues.
Custom Orthotics
Sadly, many cases of flat feet are too extreme for retail shoes to accommodate. If you have chosen what should be proper footwear – but still experience pain while walking – then a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics. Once they have studied your feet and analyzed your gait, they will prescribe orthotics which support your feet exactly where they need it most. Orthotics may even help you develop healthier, more supportive arches over time.
Would you like to discuss your flat feet with a podiatrist in the Twin Cities? Then we invite you to contact Twin Cities Foot & Ankle Clinic today to schedule a consultation at our Golden Valley, MN clinic. In addition to orthotics, we may advise stretching, physical therapy, and possibly even surgery – but only after performing a thorough examination and gaining a better understanding of your unique health history.