Flat Feet Care and Custom Orthotics

Understanding Flat Feet

What flatfoot is, how it progresses, and the related changes it can cause.

Flat Feet: What Patients Should Know

Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. There are several types of flat feet, all of which have one characteristic in common: partial or total collapse (loss) of the arch.

Other characteristics shared by most types of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward. The heel tilts toward the outside and the ankle appears to turn in. A tight Achilles tendon, which causes the heel to lift off the ground earlier when walking, may make the problem worse. Bunions and hammertoes may develop as a result of a flatfoot.

Flexible flatfoot is one of the most common types. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. It usually occurs in both feet and progresses in severity throughout the adult years. The term “flexible” means that while the foot is flat when standing (weight bearing), the arch returns when not standing.

As the deformity worsens, the soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) of the arch may stretch or tear and can become inflamed. Because flatfoot tends to progress over time, an evaluation with a podiatrist can help confirm the type of flatfoot present and outline supportive options, including custom orthotics, before related problems develop.

Orthotics and Supportive Care Options

Because flatfoot can lead to a chain of related problems in the foot and ankle, much of the care focuses on supporting the arch, easing strain on soft tissues, and slowing progression of the deformity. Custom orthotics are often a central part of this approach, helping to position the foot more efficiently during standing and walking.

Properly fitted orthotics can reduce stress on the stretched tendons and ligaments of the arch and may help relieve discomfort associated with toe drift, heel tilt, and the inward roll of the ankle. For patients with a tight Achilles tendon, stretching guidance and supportive footwear are also commonly discussed during a flatfoot evaluation.

Bracing may be appropriate for more advanced flatfoot or when soft tissue damage has occurred. Bracing provides external support to the arch and ankle and can be useful when orthotics alone do not provide enough stability for daily activity.

Preventive care matters as well. Since bunions and hammertoes may develop as a result of a flatfoot, addressing the underlying arch collapse early can help limit secondary deformities. Choosing supportive shoes, avoiding prolonged barefoot walking on hard surfaces, and following through on recommended stretches all support long-term foot health.

If flat feet are causing pain, fatigue, or visible changes in your foot shape, a podiatry visit can help determine which combination of orthotics, bracing, and preventive measures fits your situation.