How to get rid of flat feet

Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Or your doctor might suggest custom-designed arch supports, which are molded to the contours of your feet. Arch supports won’t cure flatfeet, but they often reduce symptoms.

In adults, flat feet usually remain permanently flat. Treatment usually addresses the symptoms rather than a cure. In adults the condition is called “acquired” flatfoot because it affects feet that at one point in time had a normal longitudinal arch.

Try to find a comfortable walking or athletic shoe with substantial arch support, a firm heel counter, and a flexible sole. Supporting your arches helps decrease tension. Custom made orthotics can also help improve flat feet. Flexible flat feet (not completely rigid) are considered normal and do not require treatment.

The short foot exercise targets the small muscles that support the arch on the inside of the foot. Studies have shown that the short foot exercise is effective for improving the foot arch. The exercise is performed by sliding the front of the foot along the ground toward the heel without curling the toes.

Veterans with severe bilateral flat feet can receive a disability rating of 30%. Veterans with severe unilateral flat foot can receive a disability rating of 20%.

For those who have flat feet, running barefoot may help strengthen muscles in your arch and ankles. Those who do a lot of physical activity or run often may experience their flat feet lacking pronation when the arch compresses to help with shock absorption as force exerts on the feet.

Flat feet tend to cause another condition called overpronation, which is when the ankles roll inward while you’re walking. This can lead to foot and ankle pain. Because your feet are the basis of support for your entire body, having flat feet and overpronation can cause problems with your spinal alignment.