{"id":10678,"date":"2023-02-01T23:32:03","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T07:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=10678"},"modified":"2023-05-09T17:10:15","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T00:10:15","slug":"are-low-arches-the-same-as-flat-feet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/are-low-arches-the-same-as-flat-feet\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Low Arches the Same as Flat Feet?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"are<\/a><\/p>\n

When it comes to our feet, there are more factors that differentiate them than size alone\u2014for instance, the<\/i> height of our<\/i> arches. <\/i>The arches of our feet play a significant role in our ability to walk, run, and jump comfortably. Unfortunately, when arches are too low, they can also be the source of pain in the feet, ankles, and knees, as well as problems like impaired balance and trouble getting around.<\/p>\n

When dealing with achy or stiff feet, you may have some questions, like are low arches the same as flat feet, what does it mean to have low arches, <\/i>and is there anything I can do to support my arches? <\/i><\/p>\n

For all intents and purposes, the terms \u201cflat feet\u201d and \u201clow arches\u201d are synonymous. They both refer to a condition in which the entire foot rests on the ground when standing. This differs from a normal arch that\u2019s slightly raised from the ground when standing. To learn more about the causes and impacts of low arches, as well as steps you can take to support your feet, keep reading.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Low Arches 101: Everything You Need to Know About Flat Feet<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you yourself have a low foot arch, rest assured you\u2019re in good company. About a quarter of the population deals with this condition.1<\/sup> Flat feet are typically caused by genetics, so your children will most likely have them if you do.<\/p>\n

In fact, many children start out with flat feet and develop their arches by the age of five or six.2<\/sup> This is because our arches are made up of thick bands of ligaments and muscles that form to literally bear our weight. As children learn to stand, then walk, then run, the arches typically develop with them.<\/p>\n

But this isn\u2019t always the case. For some young folks, the arches simply never form. This can be due to certain genetic disorders, like Down syndrome,3<\/sup> but may also be due to other issues, such as:3<\/sup><\/p>\n