1. FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
3 Ways To
Treat + Prevent
Flat Feet

2. 3 WAYS TO TREAT +
PREVENT FLAT FEET
Flat feet, also known as acquired flat foot
disorder, result from a collapsed arch. A fallen
arch causes your foot to roll inwards and your
entire sole comes close to touching the ground.

3. With a fallen arch, your tendons and
ligaments weaken and cause intense pain
throughout your:
• Feet
• Ankles
• Lower leg muscles
Flat feet can also cause a weakened posture
and discomfort through your hips and lower
back.

4. Once you have flat feet, this condition will not
go away on its own. Without treatment, your
fallen arches begin to put strain and pressure
on your ankles and knees. The tendons and
ligaments connecting from your feet to your
knees and hips become stressed, leading to
discomfort in your lower body joints.

5. While surgery can help stabilize your foot and
ankle bones and aid with foot support, we
recommend the following 3 non-surgical ways
to treat and prevent flat feet.

6. 1. Wear comfortable
and supportive shoes
with insoles that fully support the arch and
help stabilize the heel.

7. Look for shoes that are comfortable for both
work and sporting activities. Insoles add
additional support to your shoes and comfort
the arch of your foot.

8. 2. Wear orthotics
that help distribute and minimize pressure in
the foot by providing additional arch support.

9. Orthotics also aid in realigning your foot's
ankle joints and bones. Orthotics are custom
designed to fit your feet and give you extra
support while walking, standing, and running.

10. 3. Use arch inserts and wraps
that add extra support to your feet, especially
if your shoes lack existing arch support.

11. Inserts and wraps help alleviate the pain of flat
feet and allow you to last longer on your feet
during the day.

12. If non-surgical treatments are not working
for you, talk to a podiatrist or
orthopedic doctor.

13. FOOT HEALTH RESOURCE CENTER
For more information about flat feet from
the experts at FootSmart and the Podiatry
Institute, visit www.footsmart.com/Foot-
Health-Resource-Center.