When the arch of the foot collapses on weight bearing or in severe cases when the arch of the foot is constantly low, you are said to have a flat foot. You can be born with a flat foot or develop one at a young age. Flat feet can also occur after an injury to your foot or as the muscles and ligaments in the foot become weaker with age. Your foot can flatten as a result of rheumatoid arthritis or other medical conditions. Finding comfortable shoes and shoes that provide support are just some of the difficulties associated with a flat foot. Here, I will help you choose an appropriate shoe for a flat foot.
Instructions
1. Take a look at you current collection of shoes. What are the problems with each pair? Some may irritate your skin, or your feet may ache more when wearing others. This will give you a general idea on the style of shoe that is more beneficial to you.
2. Choose a shoe that has a lace or an adjustable strap to provide support for your foot. If you are unable to wear this type of shoe, choose one where the front of the shoe (the vamp) comes up high on the top of foot.
3. Squeeze the heel counter that wraps around the heel of the foot to make sure that it is firm. This should be done before trying the shoe on. If the heel counter is firm it will support the foot more than a soft heel counter which will allow the foot to collapse.
4. Turn the shoe over and take a look at the sole of the shoe. You need the sole of the shoe to be straight along the arch area (straight last) and not curved or narrow. This will give you a wider base to walk on and provide more support. Some sneakers and walking shoes also have a build up of firmer material in the inside of the heel area which can be beneficial.
5. Bend and twist the shoe to make sure it is not too flexible. The shoe should bend at the area that corresponds to the ball of the foot. If the shoe is very flexible and bends in half very easily this is not the shoe for you. Again, this should be done before trying on the shoe.
6. Have your foot measured, if possible. The sales assistant may have a device to do this.
7. Try the shoe on and walk up and down the store a few times. Make sure that you can wiggle your toes and that the shoe is not slipping up and down and feels generally comfortable.
8. Take your new shoes to the podiatrist if you are still unsure. Do not wear them outside so that you can return them to the store if necessary.
9. If you cannot find a comfortable shoe, or your foot measurement cannot be fitted in any stores you may seek the help of your podiatrist. They may refer you onto to an orthopedic footwear specialist or specialist shoe store.
Tags: flat foot, heel counter, your foot, arch foot, before trying