FLAT FEET

Fallen arches or Flat feet are one of the most common foot conditions.

Normally, when people stand, there is a space on the inside of the foot called the arch or the instep,  that does not come in contact with the ground. If the arch is very low, or if the whole surface of the foot touches the ground, and no gaps between the sole of the foot and the surface are visible, it indicates flat foot deformity.

There are many reasons as to why we can acquire flat feet often it may be hereditary – the condition often runs in families. Sometimes flat foot deformity develops gradually and is linked to the aging and wear and tear of tendons and/or an injury to bones, illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, or diseases that directly affect muscles or nervous system. Other common contributing factors that may increase the risk of flat feet sudden weight gain such as pregnancy. Some people do not experience any problems or symptoms typically associated with flat feet. Some, however, develop pain in the arch area, in the heel, the ankle, the knees or even the back. This tends to happen because the natural alignment of feet and legs become affected. They may also notice swelling around the ankles.

Symptoms 

Excessive pronation or over-pronation occurs when the foot rolls excessively to the inside,  too much weight is found to be on the inner side of the foot because of this the foot loses its stability, and therefore becomes misaligned often resulting in pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Excessive pronation is also a common cause of injuries, as it puts too much pressure on the tendons, bones and ligaments of the foot.

Because we at First Step Clinic, make all our orthotics/insoles/arch supports on site, are aim is to ensure we create are a bespoke fit for you, therefore we will carefully examine your feet, measure your gait then determine which areas of your feet require support, alignment, padding or cushioning.

 

High Arched Feet

 

High-arched foot, a supinated foot or cavus foot type can often occur when one or both feet have abnormally raised arches. If you are one of many who suffer with this foot type then you are likely to find your body weight is not distributed evenly when walking, running or standing due to too much pressure on the front of the foot (the ball) and heels. High arches are often associated with over-supination meaning feet roll excessively to the outside; too much body weight is distributed onto outside parts of the foot often leading to pain and injury to other parts of the body.

High arches can develop at any age but often start in childhood. The condition is often found to be genetically inherited running in families for generations but some may develop it over a period of time due to compensation of the foot. Finally it may be caused by an underlying neurological illness.

Often you will experience foot pain when you stand, walk or run due to the excessive stress that is put on the ball and the heel of your feet.
Pain in the lower back, ankles, knees and hips is also very common pain mainly occurs because the feet do not absorb the shock appropriately when your heels strike the ground due to the pressure spreads onto the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Often the instep of your feet may be rigid and inflexible, causing your calf muscles to feel stiff, sore or achy.

Corns and calluses sometimes develop on the ball and the heel of your feet again due to excessive pressure. Changes in the toes such as hammer toes or claw toes can often cause pain and discomfort.

es develop on the ball and the heel of your feet due to the excessive pressure they receive when walking, standing or running.
Changes in the toes such as abnormally bent hammer toes curled down such as claw toes all of which can often cause pain and discomfort.

People who suffer from high-arched foot often develop foot instability resulting  in recurrent ankle sprains, knee pain, hips and back pain which eventually leading to long term problems in the future.

Benefits from having our handmade custom orthotics, Insoles.

We understand everyone is different therefore each insole will work in different way  Our insoles are not only found to be supportive  but can help reduce your pain and discomfort by means of correcting and realign your feet to their natural position.

If you experience symptoms such as pain in your foot arches or heels, leg, lower back or swelling around the ankles, then our hand made  to measure insoles may be the answer to your problems. All our orthotic and insoles are tailor made and prepared especially for your feet, with the ultimate fit and support you require. Our experience when worn, our orthotic insoles aid in controlling and aligning  your feet, can improve your gait in case of over-pronation and help your feet to absorb shock evenly. As a result, they can bring relief to painful, swollen feet and help protect them from injuries.

We cater in making custom-made orthotic insoles not only for adults, but toddlers, children, sports men and women alike. They are highly effective in treating not only common foot conditions such as high arches or flat feet but particularly useful in helping plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, neuromas, knee pain, back pain as well as all manner of sports injuries.