Ever feel like you're caving in on your shoes?
Then you very well could be dealing with having flat feet, also known as Fallen Arches. The Running Well Store prides itself on making sure you feel listened to and that you get the information you need. Our team goes above and beyond to help you find the best shoes (and other helpful products) for your flat feet and related pain.
About Flat Feet
Flat Feet, or Fallen Arches, can be identified when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened and the soles of your feet touch the floor when you walk, run, or stand up in. There are a couple of factors that can contribute to flat feet including injury such as wear and tear due to age as well as the arches not developing properly during childhood. Having flat feet can sometimes be a domino effect of pain or tension in the knee, hip, back, and other areas of the body.
Flat Feet is common and typically a painless condition. Flat Feet is usually due to an abnormality present since birth. However, it can also be caused from broken bones, or stretched and/or torn ligaments. For the individuals who experience discomfort from Flat Feet, there are plenty of options to keep you on your (supported) feet!
The most common causes of Flat Feet are:
- Condition that has been present since birth, this is usually called Flat Feet
- Broken bones
- Stretched or torn tendons
Conditions that develop in adulthood are usually called “Fallen Arches” while individuals who have had the condition since birth are typically referred to as “Flat Feet”.
If you have flat feet and have no pain or joint soreness, there is nothing you need to do. However, if you have pain due to flat feet then you should be wary of excessive amounts of activity without proper footwear or insoles. Unprotected arches can lead to heel or arch pain and sometimes even swelling along the inside of the ankle.
Tips For How To Treat Flat Feet/Fallen Arches
At The Running Well Store, we see plenty of runners, walkers and individuals who work on their feet all day needing good shoes to help with their flat feet! Once you have Flat Feet and try a quality athletic shoe fitted by the GURUs at The Running Well Store, you’ll be amazed at the difference in comfort levels!
The first thing we do when someone comes to us with this condition is to check their shoes. Clients with Flat Feet or Fallen Arches have a different foot structure, so shoes you find at the local mall most likely will not be able to solve the problem. The best shoes for flat feet would be ones that support the foot.
Traditionally, the support mechanism was through “medial posting” or “guide rails,” but all high-end support shoes will guide and support the foot. Additionally, quality support shoes have cushioning in the midsole area that is designed to guide the foot to neutral alignment. Shoe manufacturers categorize the shoes with medial posting into a group called “stability”.
We are also aware that you cannot wear your supportive athletic shoes everywhere you go. Some circumstances would require an individual to either wear boots, dress shoes, casual shoes, etc. In this case, you can still utilize orthotic devices. We offer several orthotics that fit comfortably and rest inside whatever shoes you want to place them in. Orthotics offer the support that would be otherwise nonexistent for those with flat feet. When purchasing orthotics, make sure to bring in the shoes that you want to wear them in and try on the orthotics placed within your shoes.
There is a consistent theme to all of our recommendations for injury prevention and correction – stretch and strengthen! There have been cases where people who have Flat Feet also suffer with having a shortened Achilles tendon. To relieve some pain and discomfort from issues with Flat Feet, stretching areas like the Achilles tendon, calves, hamstrings, etc. are going to be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.
If you are having chronic pain due to having Flat Feet, then going to see a physical therapist may be in your future! There is a high probability that your Flat Feet are causing other issues throughout your body and in this case, a physical therapist would be able to help with some of those issues. They would be able to provide stretches, strengthening, and recovery options in order to make yourself feel like you again.
Flat Feet & Fallen Arches Advice from the Experts
- To help maintain proper foot alignment incorporate arch supports, otherwise known as foot orthotics.
- Wear proper footwear for your foot type, such as a stability shoe
- It is very common for people with flat feet to develop a tight Achilles tendon over time as a result of inward heel rolling and arch collapse. A regular stretching routine is helpful at reducing pain and restoring normal muscle and tendon balance
Dr. Ross Bartley, DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine)
Kansas City Foot & Ankle
www.kansascityfootandankle.com
Not sure where to start?
The road to recovery is best run cautiously and patiently.
If you live in the Kansas City area, have flat feet and are seeking premium products to help find relief from your pain, The Running Well Store can help. Schedule a fitting online or simply give your nearest location a call and we’ll provide personalized recommendations to get you back to your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if I have flat feet?
Not sure if you have flat feet or not? These easy steps are a good indicator:
Get your feet wet
- Stand on a flat surface that will highlight your footprint
- Step away and look at the prints. A flat foot will have a complete imprint all the way through your foot. A normal arch will get a little thinner in the mid-foot.
What are the best shoes for flat feet?
At The Running Well Store, we like to fit our clients in a neutral shoe. However, when clients come in with Fallen Arches or Flat Feet, we often recommend a support shoe. This is a shoe that will help support their foot and give them some relief.
What wear pattern should I look for to see if I have flat feet?
Yes! You have a full 30 days to bring the shoe back for 100% store credit if purchased at full price. You can exchange your shoe with something that is personalized to your issue. Just make sure you either have your receipt or have created an account with us so we can look up your purchase history.
Can I fix my flat feet?
Most cases of Flat Feet are because of genetics, and unfortunately, you cannot place an arch inside your foot, but you can get the equipment and routines to make your life pain free!