{"id":7386,"date":"2024-03-21T15:44:51","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T22:44:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=7386"},"modified":"2024-03-22T12:25:14","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T19:25:14","slug":"how-to-fix-flat-feet-and-avoid-foot-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-flat-feet-and-avoid-foot-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Fix Flat Feet: 8 Practical Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11748\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Spring-24-Kearny-White-Lifestyle_d5f67eea-low.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Spring-24-Kearny-White-Lifestyle_d5f67eea-low.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Spring-24-Kearny-White-Lifestyle_d5f67eea-low-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Spring-24-Kearny-White-Lifestyle_d5f67eea-low-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat feet, or pes planus, is a common issue that affects up to 20% of the adult population.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When people discover they have flat feet, they often view it as a medical issue that\u2014like many other health concerns\u2014can be corrected with professional care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While pes planus is a legitimate medical issue with various treatment options, there\u2019s no overall consensus about how to fix flat feet. For many people living with flat feet, their collapsed arches give them few issues and are rarely a cause for concern. For many others, however, pes planus causes severe pain, incites inflammation, and can even restrict their mobility.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From first learning<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-tell-if-you-have-flat-feet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to tell if you have flat feet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to improving your health and selecting proper footwear, this guide will lay out 8 steps you can take to mitigate the effects of flat feet and correct your fallen arches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#1: Check For Flat Feet<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before determining how to correct flat feet, you must first make sure that you have a flat arch problem to begin with. The kinds of bodily aches associated with pes planus\u2014such as pain in your ankles, legs, and lower back\u2014can stem from a variety of sources.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luckily, you can easily and relatively accurately assess your arches without the need for special equipment or medical expertise. There are two standard at-home tests most people can conduct to assess if their feet have a normal arch or fallen arch:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Standing Test<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Stand upright next to a mirror and observe the sides of your feet. There should be obvious and noticeable arches rising along their interior edges. If you feel like they\u2019re missing, pes planus could be at play.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>The Wet Foot Test<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Wet the bottom of your feet then stand upright on a surface that will easily show their print, such as dry concrete or a piece of paper. If you see the entire outline of your foot, it means the bottoms are flat. If the interior sides are missing, however, it\u2019s a solid indication that your arches are intact.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Note:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consulting a doctor is important for all health issues and these tests are only to get a rudimentary idea of whether or not you have flat feet. They\u2019re not meant to replace an actual medical assessment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#2: Gauge the Severity of Your Pes Planus<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If home tests lead you to believe you have flat feet, the next step is to consider how severe the condition is. Some doctors say up to 90% of flat-footed individuals are asymptomatic.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For many, however, pes planus can cause severe pain, lower their quality of life, and even lead to further medical issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re likely not researching how to help flat feet if they\u2019re not causing you any issues. Thus, if you\u2019re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to continue seeking help for your condition:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain, particularly in the feet, ankles, legs, and lower back<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Involuntary and painful muscle spasms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling and inflammation of the arches and surrounding area<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#3: Consult With a Medical Professional<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your pain is severe and persistent, you\u2019ll likely want to consult a podiatrist for a professional opinion on your condition. While many cases of pes planus can be treated with basic measures\u2014such as exercise and proper footwear\u2014severe issues may require more active medical intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeing a podiatrist can also help you uncover the root causes of your pes planus and put you on the path to correcting it. Oftentimes, they may suggest lifestyle changes that\u2014on the surface\u2014have nothing at all to do with your feet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#4: Improve Your Overall Health<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you ask a podiatrist, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCan you fix flat feet?\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they may say, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cYes, but it takes significant time and effort.\u201d <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s because flat feet are often a reflection of your overall health. Ailing, weak ligaments\/tendons and obesity are both primary causes of collapsed arches as we age.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, to remedy your aching arches and mitigate your pes planus, consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Weight loss<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Obesity increases the strain on the ligaments, tendons, bones, and other parts of our feet. Over time, the strain from carrying around excess weight wears down on our arches, flattening them out and potentially causing bodily pain.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Achieving a healthy weight reduces the pressure on your plantar (the ligaments connecting your heel to the front of your foot), which can significantly decrease the pain associated with pes planus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Exercise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Regardless of your current weight, increased physical activity can do wonders for your body. In one study, obese individuals with flat arches significantly ramped up the amount of exercise in their daily routines. After just 12 short weeks, their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/feet-shapes\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot shape<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had already begun shifting, and their arches were returning to a normal, healthy depth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stretching<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Another common cause of flat feet is a shortened Achilles tendon. Regular stretching and regular <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/foot-health-exercises\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot health exercises<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have the potential to alleviate discomfort and lengthen the tendon.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Additionally, stretching can help relieve pain in various other parts of your body, so try wiggling those toes, rotating your ankles, and limbering up your legs next time you experience a flare-up.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#5: Purchase Orthotics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While exercising and living a healthy lifestyle can help correct your flat feet in the long term, most people suffering from pain require immediate solutions. One option you can try that doesn\u2019t require surgical correction is investing in supportive shoes with high-quality orthotic inserts. Properly fitting orthotics can make a world of difference, so make sure you find something that matches your foot shape and size.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthotic insoles won\u2019t help you regrow your arches. They can, however, reduce the stress on your heel bone, ankle, and ligaments at the bottom of your feet. Less impact in this area means less energy radiating throughout your body and, ultimately, less pain. Orthotic insoles work because they:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enhance your foot\u2019s alignment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve your overall balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Absorb the shock from your feet repeatedly hitting the ground<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally make your shoes more comfortable to wear<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#6: Wear Proper Shoes<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The reality is that the majority of us aren\u2019t wearing the correct shoes to aid our feet or the rest of our bodies. One study found that around 70% of people aren\u2019t even wearing the right size, let alone finding footwear that offers the proper support our arches need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are curious, \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/what-are-the-best-shoes-for-flat-feet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the best shoes for flat feet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u201d, it\u2019s important to first note that proper shoes with built-in orthotics offer the same benefits as using insoles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For flat-footed individuals hoping to reinvigorate their lives by walking, we suggest the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/walk-max-lace-up-sneaker.html?color=201\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is known for its feather light design and durable, water-repellent construction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for an everyday shoe that looks fantastic while making your feet feel the same way, try the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/kearny-platform-lace-up-sneaker.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kearny Platform Lace Up Sneaker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With a plush, cushioned interior and deep heel cup, they\u2019re excellent at absorbing shock from repeated steps while providing unparalleled flexibility and range of motion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, if you want something that\u2019s supremely fashionable and foot-friendly, there\u2019s the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/winny-sneaker.html?color=718\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winny Sneaker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While the bottom may look flat (it\u2019s undercover as a casual, street-style shoe), the interior cushioning firmly hugs the arches of your feet, correcting your alignment and improving your pes planus symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#7: Consider Corrective Surgery<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat foot surgery is a rare but sometimes necessary treatment option for correcting extremely severe cases of pes planus. Corrective surgery is generally seen as a last resort when lifestyle changes, better footwear, and other treatments simply aren\u2019t working. Usually, it\u2019s only recommended in cases with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe injuries<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Torn tendons<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bone deformities<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat foot reconstruction surgery, as the operation is often called, is actually a combination of various different surgical techniques. While operating to correct an individual&#8217;s pes planus, a doctor may:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fuse several bones together to prevent them from rubbing up against each other and causing pain while you walk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graft bones and transfer tendons to new positions to recreate collapsed arches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect a dorsal opening wedge osteotomy, a treatment that divides the medial cuneiform bone in the middle of your foot and grafts a wedge in the center to lengthen it, in turn leading to deeper arches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Again, surgery is only necessary in a small percentage of cases. If your flat feet are severe and other approaches aren\u2019t working, your doctor will inform you if they believe you\u2019re a viable candidate for surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#8: Maintain Healthy Habits<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you correct flat feet? As you now know, with lifestyle and footwear changes, you can help restore your fallen arches and reduce your pes planus symptoms. To continue reaping the benefits, however, you have to <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">maintain<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> your new healthy habits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, after working so hard to fix your flat feet, keep them feeling fantastic by routinely:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exercising and eating right to maintain a healthy weight<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wearing quality, supportive shoes and orthotics no matter the weather or occasion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checking in with your doctor to ensure your flat feet and their symptoms aren\u2019t worsening<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rock Vionics to Keep Pes Planus Symptoms at Bay<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supportive footwear is the easiest and, often, most essential step you can take to help correct your pes planus and reduce its symptoms. That\u2019s why you want a quality pair of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vionic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shoes as a go-to everyday pair.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For over 30 years, our team at Vionic has been perfecting our arch support footwear and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/womens-insoles.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">insoles for women\u2019s shoes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with the goal of helping individuals like you stand, walk, and live more comfortably. That\u2019s why every model we produce\u2014from our performance footwear to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/flats.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flat shoes for women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014is crafted to optimize stability, foot arch support, cushioning, and flexibility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try a pair\u2014any pair\u2014and discover the difference proper support can make for your flat feet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cleveland Clinic. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat Feet. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/17005-flat-feet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Library of Medicine. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pes Planus. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK430802\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Columbia Broadcasting System. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat Feet Are More Common Than You Might Think.<\/span><\/i> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/baltimore\/news\/flat-feet-more-common-than-you-might-think\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mayo Clinic. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flatfeet. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/flatfeet\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20372609\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Library of Medicine. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders: a systematic search and narrative review of the literature. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6064070\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Penn Medicine. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat Foot and High Arches Treatment. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors\/find-a-program-or-service\/orthopaedics\/foot-and-ankle-pain\/flat-foot-and-high-arches-treatment\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a class=\"more-link\" id=\"excerpt\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/how-to-fix-flat-feet-and-avoid-foot-pain\/\">Read More &gt;<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":11748,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2607,407],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness","category-sole-story","dwtl 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