LOW ARCH/FLAT FEET
Characteristics: Very flexible foot with an arch that sits low to the ground. Very little arch definition.
Potential Problems: Over-pronation, plantar fasciitis, post-tibial tendonitis, heel spurs, medial knee problems, bunions
Orthotics: Orthotics should incorporate medial rearfoot posting and arch support to keep the foot aligned and help control over-pronation
Don’t sweat it! Approximately 20% of the population has low arches so you’re in good company!
Low arches are more flexible and tend to roll inwards and over-pronate. Typically, imprints or iStep scans for your foot type show almost your entire foot. Low arches are often biomechanically imbalanced and can make your feet more susceptible to common foot problems such as heel pain, arch pain and plantar fasciitis.
The good news is that the right footwear and foot orthotics can help you achieve proper body alignment, prevent injuries and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
MEDIUM ARCH
Characteristics: Biomechanically efficient foot. Moderately flexible foot. Defined arch.
Potential Problems: Susceptible to common foot problems such as heel pain and metatarsalgia from repetitive stress and improper fitting footwear.
Orthotics: Orthotics should have arch support, cushioning and shock absorbing materials for comfort and foot pain prevention.
Approximately 60% of the population has medium arches so you’re in good company!
Medium arches are often biomechanically efficient but still can be susceptible to common foot problems such as heel pain or ball-of-foot discomfort. Typically, imprints or iStep scans for your foot type show approximately half your arch area with a well-defined forefoot and rearfoot.
Your feet are always on the go and will greatly benefit from some extra cushioning, shock absorption and support. The right footwear and foot orthotics can help you achieve proper body alignment, prevent injuries and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
HIGH ARCH
Characteristics: Very rigid foot with an arch that sits higher from the ground. Well defined arch. Excessive pressure to rearfoot and forefoot.
Potential Problems: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain syndrome, arch strain, metatarsalgia, calluses, claw toes
Orthotics: Orthotics should have proper arch support, metatarsal pads for forefoot relief, and strong cushioning properties.
Don’t sweat it! Approximately 20% of the population has high arches so you’re in good company! High arches are usually classified as supinated and are more rigid than other feet. Typically, imprints or iStep scans for your foot type show mostly your heel and ball-of-foot, with very little in the arch area.
When we walk or run, our feet absorb most of the impact and shock. With high arches you have less surface area for absorbing impact and you place excessive pressure on your rearfoot and forefoot areas. This can make you susceptible to foot conditions such as heel pain, ball-of-foot pain or plantar fasciitis.
The good news is that the right orthotics can help fill in your arch cavity to disperse the shock, and provide the cushioning and alignment needed for you to prevent injuries and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.