Podiatrist (Foot and Ankle Specialist) Questions Flat feet

I have flat feet and running is becoming painful. What should I do?

I recently started running. But I think I have flat feet and it makes it uncomfortable and a little painful. What should I do?

23 Answers

Consult my office. Custom orthotics is usually first step in treatment.
Changing of running shoes would be the first place to start. For someone with a flatter foot, I will usually tell them to get a New Balance or Brooks shoe. Custom and over the counter orthotics could help you also. For runner specifically, I will go with a semi-flexible insert to help the over pronation of the foot.
You should see a podiatry doctor for corrective shoe wear and/or special orthotics prescribed.
Wear anti probation types of shoes or wear orthotics.
Flat feet is usually an inherited condition that allows your foot to "move around" thus putting pressure on areas of your foot that normally don't bear weight causing tired and aching feet. I strongly recommend seeing a foot specialist since there are so many foot insert "wannabes" that do not evaluate the condition properly that recommend crap that you'll throw out after initial use. A REAL insert is molded properly, and the material used is specifically chosen for the individual condition. They run about $600.00, so, if you don't have the finances or insurance that covers them, there are other excellent inserts the doctor can recommend you can buy online.
Rest your feet to begin with. If you have created a bruise to the tissue then you need to calm it down. This should only take a few days and a week at the most. While resting your feet you can evaluate your equipment and see if the shoes are starting to break down. Evaluate them to see if something changed in the style from previous shoes to make them more irritating. Get a new pair if needed. OTC orthotics are a good starting point and then a customized pair if needed.
Please get molded for custom orthotics. One can also try to make sure you are wearing the appropriate running shoes, new balance, asics, sacouny, and brooks are the ones usually used.
You may need orthotics.
Stretching helps this problem. Ice is temporary relief. Stretching is long term.
I would recommend seeking out a running tennis shoe business and be evaluated. If pain persists see a podiatrist.
Orthotics. Also if you have children that have this and under 6, they wear orthotics for 1 year and the arch will form!
Get some orthotic insoles that help give you an arch support.

Kindest regards,

Kelly Murphy
THE ONLY WAY TO GET BETTER IS WITH COSTUMED MADE ORTHOTICS. WHAT I DO, WHICH IS MY OWN CREATION, IS A MANIPULATION OF THE FEET AND STRAPPING ONCE A WEEK FOR 3 WEEKS, FIRST, THEN, I WILL GET YOUR NEW AND CORRECTED POSITION AND CREATE YOUR ORTHOTICS SO IT WILL HOLD YOUR FEET IN THE CORRECTED POSITION.

THAT SHOULD SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM!
If you truly have flat feet, you can get one of the over-the-counter arch supports. Fleet foot and Spence work well and are not expensive. If this does not work, see a podiatrist who works with custom orthotics.

Dr. Kathleen Neuhoff 
You should first check the running shoes you are wearing. If you started your run in shoes that you have been wearing for a while, the shoe could be the problem. You have flat feet that bothers you, my recommendation is to be evaluated by a podiatrist. You may need orthotics- a device that provides support and controlls the motion in your feet.
Go visit podiatrist near your home. You make required custom mold orthotics and motion control shoes to provide better stability to your foot and ankle joint and provide arch support to your feet.
Make an appointment. Most people with flat feet aren’t in the proper running shoes with the right orthotics/inserts. The doc would need to look at your foot and do a proper exam, watch you walk/run, and get you on the right path before any injuries. Having a flat foot predisposes you to a lot of injuries in the foot, ankles, knees, and back. Remember, the foot is connected to the rest of your body and if you have flat feet, it could be putting extra pressure on many other body parts.
Recommend getting some type of custom-made arch support, which is known as an orthotic. This can help improve the function of your feet and reduce stress and discomfort.

Jonathan M. Kletz, DPM
See a podiatrist.
You need a physical examination to confirm that your flatfeet are the cause of your pain.
See a podiatrist, you may need custom foot orthotics.
In the meantime you could try an OTC version, but custom ones made by a specialist with corrections are far superior to store bought ones.
The postural deficit of a flat foot is not an uncommon clinical presentation. Many individuals do not have associated symptoms as a result of this. In fact, in the pediatric and adolescent population, we commonly do not treat for a flat foot unless the child presents with associated symptoms of pain and/or dysfunction. We consider this the same in the adult
population. When someone does start to complain of fatigue or soreness, particularly with physical activity, we usually do escalate treatment for the management of this deformity. Initial care is quite conservative to evaluate factors that have influenced the development of this discomfort. This can include evaluation of your training regimen as well as the
environment that you're running. Footwear can have a significant influence, too.
I normally suggest over the counter vs custom orthotics for my parents with flat feet. You should try an anti-pronation shoe for running as well, brooks is an example of a brand. Thanks for your question.