Most people have some degree of arch loss, either from birth or over time. A fallen arch can cause many foot problems such as bunions, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, calluses, corns, etc., which result when a flat foot hits the ground. A fallen arch can affect more than just the foot, it can also predispose you to low back pain, knee/hip problems such as patellafemoral syndrome, IT Band Syndrome as well it may predisposing you to a ligament tear in your knee. What can cause a fallen arch? It can occur from increased body weight, gravity and walking on concrete. These forces flatten our foot as we walk stretching out the ligaments that support the bones of the foot and our arches drop.

 

Older technology for making custom orthotics involved wedging under the heel and forefoot to correct foot function, but they had only a small arch. They also avoided full length arch supports and dynamic arch supports because they could not effectively prevent arch collapse. Older research studies that show that there is no difference between over the counter orthotics and custom made orthotics look mostly at the more rigid older technology arch supports. Dr. Glaser at Sole Supports found that in order for a cast to be effective, the orthotic must capture the properly corrected position of the foot (the full available arch), the orthotic must make full contact with the entire foot in order to have the power and efficiency to control the foot, and the cast must be rigid enough to maintain this position against the person’s weight and gravity, but flexible enough to be comfortable upon impact with a concrete floor.

 

Some people have a high arch that flattens upon standing. This is called a functional flat foot. A small percentage of people have pain from over-supination or high arch, rigid feet. People with high, rigid arches have less shock absorption with walking and running because of limited foot contact with the floor. Foot orthotics can be effective for a high arch because it redistributes the weight for better foot contact with the floor. With improved weight distribution, the foot pain could resolve.

 

At Westwood Physical Therapy we can help design and cast your orthotics. While you are sitting, we will place your foot in the proper position and cast you with the maximal arch available in your foot. Together, we will decide on the style, width and color of your orthotic based on the types of shoes you will wear with the orthotic and the type of activity you will be doing. After the lab sends your orthotics, you will come in for a fitting to make sure that it is the right fit for you. You can order orthotics for dress shoes, athletic shoes, casual shoes, and sandals. Arch supports are a great first step to improving your foot pain, but most people also require other physical therapy intervention including manual techniques, exercise and modalities in order to reach their goals.