How can I make my flat feet more flexible?

How are flat feet managed or treated?

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest and ice to ease inflammation and pain.
2. Physical therapies to stretch and strengthen tight tendons and muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
3. Supportive devices like foot orthotics, foot or leg braces and custom-made shoes.

How do I know what type of flat foot I have?

There are two general types of flatfoot: flexible flatfoot and rigid flatfoot. In flexible flatfoot, the foot has a normal arch at rest (not standing or walking), but it disappears once it comes in contact with the ground. If there is no arch, whether sitting or standing, they have a “rigid” or “true” flatfoot.

How do I know if my flat feet are rigid or flexible?

For an individual with flexible flatfoot, their arches are normal when they are sitting or on their tiptoes, but collapse when they stand. With rigid flatfoot, the arch of the foot remains flattened despite the foot’s position.

Can flexible flat feet be fixed?

In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by other treatments, surgery may be considered. Many surgical techniques are available to correct flexible flatfoot, and one or a combination of procedures may be required to relieve the symptoms and improve foot function.

What kind of shoes are good for flat feet?

The best shoes for flat feet are supportive sneakers, orthotic boots, contoured dress shoes or flats, house shoes, and arch support sandals. But don’t worry—orthotics and stylish shoes aren’t mutually exclusive. You can find fashionable options that check all the boxes.

Can you claim disability for flat feet?

If you are a veteran with flatfoot, fallen arches, or flat feet, you may be wondering if it’s possible to obtain VA disability compensation for your flat feet. The answer is yes, especially if you can connect your medical condition to service or even basic training.

What does a rigid flat foot look like?

Condition: Rigid Flatfoot In rigid flatfoot, the arch is never present, whether bearing weight or not. The foot remains flat during sitting, tip-toe standing, and the tow raise test due to the relative immobility of the subtalar joint (joint positioned directly below the ankle joint).

How can you tell if you have flexible feet?

During a “jack test,” the examiner holds the heel steady and bends the big toe upwards. If an arch forms, the flatfoot is deemed ‘flexible. ‘ If the foot remains flat, it is rigid. Patients with a flexible flatfoot deformity often have a very tight outer calf muscle (gastrocnemius).

How can I fix my flat feet at home?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate your condition.
2. Arch supports. Over-the-counter arch supports might increase your comfort.
3. Medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help.
4. Weight loss. Losing weight can reduce stress on your feet.

What is the difference between flexible and rigid flat feet?

A flexible flat foot is one that is flat only when weight is put on the foot. This is the most common type of flat foot. A rigid flat foot is flat both with and without weight being placed on the foot.

How do you get rid of flexible flat feet?

If you experience symptoms with flexible flatfoot, the surgeon may recommend nonsurgical treatment options, including: Activity modifications. Weight loss. Orthotic devices. Immobilization. Medications. Physical therapy. Shoe modifications. Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO) devices.

What are the best exercises for flat feet?

Patients with flat feet tend to have improperly worked or poorly developed intrinsic muscles, so a program aimed at strengthening muscles in the foot can help support the arch. 2  Simple exercises involve grabbing motions of the toes, such as picking up marbles or a handkerchief with the toes.

What kind of shoes should I wear if I have flat feet?

“People with flat feet should wear shoes that are more structured, meaning they aren’t too soft or too cushioned,” advises Dr. Langer. With a flexible rocker platform and a memory foam-cushioned insole, these slip-ons from Alegria provide just the right amount of support.