If you don't have a normal arch in your foot, you may experience pain in your feet and ankles, especially during periods of increased activity. Thankfully, there are many options that can help you find relief. Here, we'll learn more about flat feet, how to find the best athletic socks for flat feet, how flat feet can affect your life, and what you can do to help ease the pain that comes with flat feet.
Up to 30% of the population has flat feet. The vast majority of babies have flat feet, but over time, an arch develops as the foot grows. For people who have flat feet, the arch never develops.
For people who have flat feet, nearly the entire foot comes into contact with the ground with each step. The depression of the sole of the foot means that more stress is placed on other parts of the body.
Some people who have flat feet never experience pain or any issues related to their foot structure. Other people (especially athletes and others who are very active) experience pain and alignment issues.
People who have flat feet may have trouble staying physically active due to pain when they walk or run. This can result in weight gain, joint issues, and more. Physical inactivity can exacerbate the problems caused by flat feet.
Many people who have flat feet experience ankle pain, as the additional stress is placed upon the ankle as the foot makes contact with the ground. Some people who have flat feet also experience alignment issues, as the stress placed upon the ankle can cause problems with the knee and hip. If you're dealing with these problems, here are 3 exercises you can try.
Over time, stress on the joints can lead to arthritis, which may worsen with time. It's important that people who have flat feet take steps to protect their joints and stay physically active with as little pain as possible.
Often, people who have flat feet can tell simply by looking at their feet. The footprint test is also a simple way to tell whether you have flat feet. Place your bare foot in water, then step on a surface that allows you to see your footprint, such as dry concrete. If you notice that you can see all or almost all of your footprint without a space for the arch, there's a good chance that you have flat feet.
In addition to the footprint test, there are other ways to tell if you have flat feet. Many people who have flat feet experience trouble standing up on their tiptoes. Others may experience selling around the inside of the ankle joint, especially after prolonged periods of physical activity.
People who have flat feet may notice that their shoes feel uneven (unless they're wearing shoes specifically made for people with flat feet). Flat feet can also result in pain in the heel or in the area where the arch in the foot would normally occur.
If you're experiencing pain from flat feet, there are several functional fitness options that you can try to alleviate your symptoms, including:
By training barefoot, like walking, running, and lifting without shoes on your feet can help to alleviate flat foot pain. If you're working out barefoot, be sure to wear non-slip Pedestal socks to help you keep your grip on the floor as you move. If you're choosing to go barefoot at work, be sure to use Pedestal socks—the best work socks for flat feet.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can help alleviate the pain caused by flat feet. If you find that you need pain relievers daily, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor to ensure that you're taking a safe amount.
Going barefoot as often as possible is often recommended for people who have flat feet. If you have flat feet, talk with your doctor about getting custom orthotics that you can insert into your shoes to support your feet. Depending on your needs, your doctor may also recommend foot or leg braces to support you as you move.
If you're experiencing pain from flat feet, working with a physical therapist can provide you with an individualized plan to help you strengthen your body in a way that supports your feet.
What Are Flat Feet?
Up to 30% of the population has flat feet. The vast majority of babies have flat feet, but over time, an arch develops as the foot grows. For people who have flat feet, the arch never develops.
For people who have flat feet, nearly the entire foot comes into contact with the ground with each step. The depression of the sole of the foot means that more stress is placed on other parts of the body.
Some people who have flat feet never experience pain or any issues related to their foot structure. Other people (especially athletes and others who are very active) experience pain and alignment issues.
Problems Caused By Flat Feet
People who have flat feet may have trouble staying physically active due to pain when they walk or run. This can result in weight gain, joint issues, and more. Physical inactivity can exacerbate the problems caused by flat feet.
Many people who have flat feet experience ankle pain, as the additional stress is placed upon the ankle as the foot makes contact with the ground. Some people who have flat feet also experience alignment issues, as the stress placed upon the ankle can cause problems with the knee and hip. If you're dealing with these problems, here are 3 exercises you can try.
Over time, stress on the joints can lead to arthritis, which may worsen with time. It's important that people who have flat feet take steps to protect their joints and stay physically active with as little pain as possible.
How Do I Know If I Have Flat Feet?
Often, people who have flat feet can tell simply by looking at their feet. The footprint test is also a simple way to tell whether you have flat feet. Place your bare foot in water, then step on a surface that allows you to see your footprint, such as dry concrete. If you notice that you can see all or almost all of your footprint without a space for the arch, there's a good chance that you have flat feet.
In addition to the footprint test, there are other ways to tell if you have flat feet. Many people who have flat feet experience trouble standing up on their tiptoes. Others may experience selling around the inside of the ankle joint, especially after prolonged periods of physical activity.
People who have flat feet may notice that their shoes feel uneven (unless they're wearing shoes specifically made for people with flat feet). Flat feet can also result in pain in the heel or in the area where the arch in the foot would normally occur.
Flat Foot Treatment And The Best Socks For Flat Feet Pain
If you're experiencing pain from flat feet, there are several functional fitness options that you can try to alleviate your symptoms, including:
Train Barefoot
By training barefoot, like walking, running, and lifting without shoes on your feet can help to alleviate flat foot pain. If you're working out barefoot, be sure to wear non-slip Pedestal socks to help you keep your grip on the floor as you move. If you're choosing to go barefoot at work, be sure to use Pedestal socks—the best work socks for flat feet.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can help alleviate the pain caused by flat feet. If you find that you need pain relievers daily, it's a good idea to talk with your doctor to ensure that you're taking a safe amount.
Supportive shoes
Going barefoot as often as possible is often recommended for people who have flat feet. If you have flat feet, talk with your doctor about getting custom orthotics that you can insert into your shoes to support your feet. Depending on your needs, your doctor may also recommend foot or leg braces to support you as you move.
Physical therapy
If you're experiencing pain from flat feet, working with a physical therapist can provide you with an individualized plan to help you strengthen your body in a way that supports your feet.