Flat feet are not uncommon in infants and young children due to the immature arches of the feet. Most people develop arches throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. People without arches may or may not have problems.
 
Some children have flexible flat feet, often called flexible flat feet, in which the arch is visible when the child is sitting or standing on the toes but disappears when the child is standing. Most children outgrow flexible flat feet without any problems.
 
This can occur even in people without flat feet. The arch of the foot can suddenly collapse after an injury. Or failure may occur over years of wear and tear. Over time, the tendons that run along the inside of the ankle and help support the arch of the foot can weaken or tear. Arthritis can develop in the feet with increasing severity.

Factors that may increase the risk of flat feet include:

● Obesity
● A foot or ankle injury
● Rheumatoid Arthritis
● Aging
● Diabetes

An orthotic is a device that helps people with flat feet. It takes the pressure off your tissues and muscles to reduce pain and improve your biomechanics. Doctors prescribe custom orthotics for people with flat feet who have fallen arches, Morton’s neuroma, or other foot conditions. They’re also useful for runners, hikers, and athletes who have foot problems. Most orthotics are made of plastic or rubber and are fitted inside the shoe to provide support.
 
People with flat feet typically experience pain and swelling during the day. Custom orthotics correct your posture and support your foot while you walk or work. Provided you buy the right kind, they can help you feel more confident and comfortable on your feet. The primary benefit of orthotics is that it reduces pain and prevents injury from occurring. People with flat feet can also improve their arch health by wearing orthotics regularly. In addition, orthotics reduce the chance of developing arthritis in your foot as you age.
 
Orthotics correct many foot problems by shifting your weight onto the middle of your foot as you walk. This relieves pressure on your toes, arches, heel, and Achilles tendon. This corrects your stance and posture, which in turn improves your overall health. Shifted weight also stabilizes your joints as you walk; this prevents injury due to movement and instability. Most doctors recommend wearing custom-made insoles to get the most benefit from your orthotics. They’re effective at treating common foot problems like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.

Correction to flat feet with the use of custom orthotics can take anywhere between 3 to 18 months to notice any corrections.

Yes, usually prescription orthotics do need a medical prescription, as they are custom-made by trained individuals.
 
Many people use their orthotics as a home remedy for back pain or other joint problems. They wear their inserts under their shoes to take pressure off sore feet. This is an easy way to treat common joint pains without prescription medicine. Orthotics help you recover from minor injuries much faster by reducing stress on your muscles and joints. You can also wear them while running if you have inner-shoe issues with uneven ground or bacteria build-up from sweaty shoes.
 
Some people find that orthotics help them walk better and more comfortably each day. Regular use promotes healthier bones, muscles, nerves, and tendons in your foot as well as your entire body. Doctors recommend custom orthotics for people with flat feet who have fallen arches, Morton’s neuroma, or other foot conditions. People with flat feet can also benefit from using them in conjunction with healthy shoes and a healthy walking style. For more information call us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Wall Street Financial District NY, Harlem NY, Midtown NY, Lower Manhattan NY, Brooklyn NY, and Yorkville NY.