Do you have collapsed arches or flat feet pain? Do you use arch supports to correct flat feet, or have they been recommended to help with your foot pain? If you have flat feet pain, there may be more going on than you realize. While some people may find temporary relief by using arch supports, it’s worth a closer look at what they actually do and how they relate to the problems in your feet. If you are considering or looking into using arch supports, here are some reasons why they may be a waste of your time and money.
What are Flat Feet?
First, let’s look at flat feet (often called fallen arches) as it is important to know what is going on in the foot structure that is causing pain and requiring treatment in the first place. Flat feet occur because of foot misalignment. This happens when the ankle bone and the heel bone are not properly aligned due to the ankle bone slipping off of the heel bone. The ankle bone turns inward and the rest of the foot turns outward, leading to hyperpronation. Furthermore, there are 3 types of flat feet: flexible, semi-flexible, and rigid. Each form of flat foot allows for specific treatment methods. This condition is complex, and many areas of the foot are potentially involved.
Why Arch Supports Are Not Effective
Sometimes arch supports are recommended as a non-invasive option to treating flat feet. While they may relieve some foot discomfort, they really aren’t treating the underlying problem – they are an external fix that gives a false sense of correction. Arch supports may be easy to purchase, but they are only a temporary fix that may provide relief while allowing the problems to continue in the feet. The reality is, there is no evidence that something placed on the bottom of the foot realigns the ankle bone.
Cost & Convenience
Arch supports may seem like the lower cost and most convenient solution on the surface, considering they can be bought in many local stores and are easy to put into your shoe. Overall cost should be considered, however, as it can add up over the years of constantly having to replace your worn out arch supports. And convenience? It may be easy enough to put an arch support into your shoe, but you have to wear certain types of shoes and have no correction if you are wearing sandals or going barefoot.
Having misaligned feet, and the ensuing issue of flat feet and collapsed arches, can be a big problem that needs to be corrected. If you are experiencing pain in your feet and have flat feet, a trip to your foot doctor may be in order. While arch supports may provide some relief, longer term corrections will require realigning the foot and ankle bones. There are methods for this correction, including minimally invasive foot surgery.
