Flat arches can also develop over time, causing issues as people grow and their feet are affected by various changes and experiences. Causes and RisksĪnyone can have flat arches, and some children are born with them. Some people with flat feet experience difficulty walking or running evenly. This may lead to shoes wearing down unevenly or more quickly, which can cause injuries if you are active. Flat feet can also cause your body weight to be unevenly distributed. Your muscles and connected ligaments can strain, causing stress to carry over to the knees and hips. Wear on the outside where your little toe resides usually means you have high or very high arches. Wear in the middle is a telltale sign of normal arches. If the shoe is worn on the inside part where your big toe sits, you likely have flat feet. Look at the sole of your shoes, focusing on where the ball of your foot sits. You can also determine your foot arch type by examining a pair of well-worn shoes. If the curve is quite significant, you may have high arches. If there is not much of a curve in the center of your footprint, you likely have a flat arch. Step onto the piece of paper/cardboard and remove your foot.Place the bottom of your foot on the top of the water, just enough to get it wet.The basin needs to be big enough for one foot. Fill just the bottom of the basin with water.You can determine your arch type with a shallow basin, water, and a piece of heavy paper or cardboard: Your arch type can be determined through a scan at places such as athletic footwear stores, but there are also tests you can carry out at home. There are four foot arch types: flat, normal, high, and very high. While you’ve likely never given your foot arch much consideration, it could possibly be the cause behind your foot pain and discomfort, especially if you have flat feet.

This bottom part of your foot serves as your stability as you walk and stand, as the plantar fascia is responsible for weight distribution and pressure absorption.

The arch between the ball and heel of the foot is caused by the positioning of the plantar fascia ligament.

The arch of the foot is an important component of the body, affecting your ability to walk properly.

Fixing flat feet