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Can flat feet lead to plantar fasciitis? Treatment with orthotic insoles and arch correction

Does the bottom of your foot feel like it’s being pricked by needles?

Does it hurt so much in the morning when you step down that you have to limp a bit, but it eases up after walking for a while?

If you walk for a longer period, does the bottom of your foot start hurting again like it’s being pinched, to the point that you need to sit down and rest?

If you have these symptoms, you may have developed plantar fasciitis.

If you already have flat feet, and your feet get tired more easily after walking for a long time, then you really need to pay attention to whether you are wearing suitable shoes and if there are any problems with your walking posture.

This article will introduce the relationship between foot structure and walking posture, and finally explain an ideal way of walking.

Index

Explanation of Foot Problems

  • Medial Longitudinal Arch: Formed by the calcaneus, navicular, and cuneiform bones  
  • Flat Feet: Occurs when the ligaments cannot properly support the navicular bone, causing the navicular and medial longitudinal arch to collapse downward
  • Plantar Fasciitis: Overloading and pain at the point where the plantar fascia attaches to the calcaneus

How Flat Feet Affect Walking Posture

  • Heel Strike: Causes the medial longitudinal arch to collapse, putting more strain on the plantar fascia
  • Outward Heel Rotation: Shifts body weight towards the inner side of the foot, increasing irritation to the inner heel and plantar fascia  
  • Increased Force on Big Toe: The big toe rotates outward, and combined with weight shifting inward, it may promote bunions
扁平足, flat feet

Location of Plantar Fasciitis

  • Plantar Fasciitis: The most prominent pain is at the blue dot, where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone. In some cases, pain can also occur along the red area of the plantar fascia.
  • Fat Pad Inflammation: Pain is generally felt in the white area when pressed.
  • Minor Heel Misalignment: The exact painful spot is not obvious, but rather a general area (yellow region).

Recommended Shoes

  • Have adequate arch support (original shoe design or added insoles)  
  • Relatively firm midsole
  • Wide enough toe box  
  • Leave at least a finger’s width of space at the front
  • Runners can choose shoes with a rocker shape

【Read More】How to Manage Plantarfasciitis? The 3 Recommended Exercise From Physiotherapist

How to Improve Walking Posture

  • Heel Strike: Strike with the middle of the heel first, then roll onto the outer side of the foot along the 4th/5th metatarsals, finally onto the forefoot and big toe
  • Knee Bend: Keep knees slightly bent at heel strike to distribute impact across knees, shins, and arches
  • Pelvic Rotation: Allow natural rotation of pelvis and upper body to reduce side-to-side sway while walking
Pictures 02 (2)

Are Insoles Suitable for People with Flat Feet?

For people with flat feet, using insoles is generally a good choice because insoles can provide additional support and cushioning, which can help alleviate the discomfort that may come with flat feet.

However, it is important to choose the right type of insole based on individual circumstances. It is best to consult a physical therapist or foot specialist first. Some more severe cases of flat feet may require custom orthotic insoles. Proper insoles combined with suitable shoes can greatly help improve flat foot symptoms.

Our clinic offers foot examinations and customized insole services to provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized recommendations for clients with foot issues, as well as the production of appropriate orthotic insoles.

足弓及步姿問題, foot & gait assessment
Foot Assessment & Tailer-made Orthotics

Mild cases of plantar fasciitis typically start improving within 3-4 weeks.

Moderate to severe cases are usually caused by long-term stress from lifestyle and work habits, and may take over 6 months to heal naturally. It's recommended to seek advice from a doctor, physical therapist or other professionals to identify the root cause, receive treatment, and make lifestyle adjustments - this can cut recovery time by over half.

Simple plantar fasciitis exercises:

Plantar fascia massage: Use a small massage ball or golf ball to massage the plantar fascia. Apply firm pressure focusing on areas no larger than a 25-cent coin for 2 minutes.

Calf muscle release: Massage calf muscles for 2 minutes, then stretch for 20 seconds, 3 times.

Soaking alone has little therapeutic effect, it needs to be combined with massage and stretching.

Foot soaking is generally not recommended in the acute phase; in the sub-acute phase, soaking in warm water can help relax the plantar fascia before doing massage and stretching exercises.

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