HIGH ARCHES & FLAT FEET

Have you ever wondered what foot type you have? Do you wonder how that might affect your exercise, walking and overall life? Knowing what foot type you are puts you ahead of the mark- our podiatrists can help you understand what conditions you might be predisposed to and how to avoid them.

There are three foot types that podiatrists will refer to:

  • High arch (Supinated or ‘Rolling Out” foot)
  • Neutral arch (‘Normal’ foot)
  • Flat arch (Pronated or ‘Rolling In’ foot)

High Arch

A High arch foot is characterized by:

  • Overall shortening of the length of the foot
  • Very rigid foot
  • Arch that sits higher from the ground
  • Well defined arch

High arch feet are much less common than flat feet in Australia. They are either inherited or develop in response to a neuromuscular condition. If you have high arches you have less surface area for absorbing impact and you place excessive pressure on balls of the feet and heels.

Common complaints that we see with High arch feet:

  • Pain on the outside of the foot
  • Pain in the ball of the foot
  • Heel pain
  • Achilles pain
  • Ankle arthritis
  • Stress fractures
  • Knee and lower back pain
  • Hammertoes (bent toes) or claw toes (toes clenched like a fist)
  • Calluses on the ball, side or heel of the foot
  • An unstable foot due to the heel tilting inward, which can lead to ankle sprains

 

Flat Feet

A Flat Foot is characterized by:

  • Low arch
  • Mobile joints
  • Bowing Achilles tendon
  • Poorly defined arch

Flat feet are often inherited. Poor foot strength and tendon/ligament damage can also cause flat feet. People with flat feet have the tendency to rolling inwards towards the mid line of the body. When the arches collapse the ligaments, tendons, joints and muscles are strained. The repetition of this causes injuries to these structures. These injuries make up the bulk of injuries that we see at Sole Therapy.

Common complaints that we see with Flat feet:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles problems
  • Callus on the heels
  • Inside knee pain
  • Shin splints
  • Lower back pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Bunions
  • Tibialis posterior pain

 

At SOLE THERAPY we are experts in managing different foot types. Our customized functional orthotics are molded exactly to best support your foot type and distribute pressure evenly. Your podiatrist will also provide exercises and stretches to keep your feet health, strong and pain free!

Come and visit Sole Therapy today to find out more about your foot type.

Book an INITIAL BIOMECHANICAL APPOINTMENT on our new ONLINE BOOKING Tab or call us on (02) 9583 1138.

Words from one of our Podiatrist's,

BEN FERGUSON