We spend so much of our lives on our feet, whether it is at work or while enjoying our favorite hobbies or activities. After some time, this can take a toll on our bodies, specifically our legs and feet. This “wear and tear” on a daily basis can lead many people to experience painful foot conditions and/or joint pain. This is especially true if one has flat feet or the opposite, high arched feet. While these two conditions are common, they can be extremely difficult to deal with.

Flat Feet
A very common foot type is the flat foot, or “Pes Planus.” Flat feet present when there is not enough arch in the foot which provides very little support; and can worsen with more exposure to weight-bearing activities. This foot type typically forces the ankles to roll in (Overpronation). Flat feet can occur for a multitude of reasons including genetics, injuries, tendon problems, footwear choices, and systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

When a client with a flatfoot stands or ambulates, the rearfoot can tend to roll in (Rearfoot Valgus) and if severe, the ankles, knees, and hips can also start to rotate inward. In some cases, this type of foot can actually result in bunions, hammertoes, Achilles’ tendinitis, inside ankle pain, arch pain, and plantar fasciitis. If you have any of these problems, they can typically be addressed by flat feet insoles or custom orthotics, which  can include a removable arch support that fits into your shoes as well as proper footwear selection.

High Arched Feet
High-arched feet, also known as “Pes Cavus”, is a condition where the foot’s arches are unnaturally high, and this puts extra pressure on the ball and heel of the foot when walking or standing. High Arch Feet tend to roll outwards (Supination), which can lead to ankle instability and the increased risk of lateral ankle sprains and other conditions.

Individuals with high arches (especially athletes) should pay extra attention to their lower limbs. This foot structure is not the best for absorbing shock and such a raised mid-foot can be prone to overuse injuries. This type of foot can result in neuromuscular diseases, hammertoes, painful calluses, ball of foot pain, and recurrent ankle sprains. An orthotic for high arch feet can be used to cushion and reduce the pressure on the outside of the ankle to prevent further ankle sprains and once again, proper footwear selection will be key.

If you have a condition that is causing you concern, you can contact me at Solelytics. I’m here to help. I can assess what’s going on with your feet and determine if we can tackle your condition together or whether you need to seek the assistance of a Podiatrist.

Bryan Acheson – (303) 981-3999 – Bryan@solelytics.com

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