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Back to: Foot
Problems & Conditions
Pes planus otherwise termed as flat feet is a biomechanical problem
experienced by a surprisingly high percentage of the population.
Flat feet are a condition where the arch of the foot appears flattened.
This causes the foot to roll inwards in order to gain contact with
the floor and support the weight of the body, and is the main clinical
feature of excessive pronation.
The first image below shows the obvious physical
signs of a flat foot. You can see the arch of the foot is virtually
non-existent which causes the foot to roll inwards. The image below
this shows the biomechanical result of this illustrated form behind.

Inward turning foot (pronating)
Pes Planus or Flat Feet can occur in people of all ages and is very
common. However, older generations can be more susceptible to over
pronation and flat feet because they tend to partake in lower levels
of physical activity and gain weight with age, which can disturb
the biomechanical balance of the foot.
Pes Planus or Flat Feet are most commonly a congenital
condition but can also be acquired as a result of the foot being
repetitively subjected to hard surfaces eventually weakening the
arch of the foot. In today's world of concrete and tarmac it is
therefore not surprising that this condition is becoming more and
more frequent in people of all age groups.
Other causes
of flat feet can include: obesity and pregnancy.
It is important that treatment is sought for these conditions as
they can lead to further problems. When the foot's ability to absorb
shock diminishes the foot is subjected to increased pressure, which
can cause other foot, knee and back problems such as:
Pes Planus can be effectively treated with orthotics (special insoles)
that provide biomechanical support and help feet to function more
efficiently. The most effective orthotics are those which are custom
made to fit your foot, but in many cases a non-prescription orthotics
or insoles can be used.
The orthotic should provide both support for the
longitudinal arch and medial rear foot posting to combat over pronation.
Orthotics should be combined with supportive footwear that fits
the foot correctly and contains a firm, low heel.
For instant relief, there are a number of solutions.
Try using advanced insoles or orthotics from foothealthcare.com
such as:
Prothotics
Professional Insole 
Interpod
Slim tech Orthotic 
Prothotics
Semi-Flex 
If there is very little room in shoes try a Valgus
Pad 
Please note: It is advised that you see your Doctor or Podiatrist/Chiropodist
if the pain doesn't respond to non prescription insoles as listed
above. They may then prescribe a custom orthotic.
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