Re: Flat Foot
Asked by pagmelb

Question:
 

When I took my son (6) to purchase new runners they advised me that he had a flat feet and that I should use some special in soles, I know this particular shop train their

staff in analysising feet - however, they are also sales people.

Should I take him to get this checked out, will it cause issues down the line?

Cheers Andrea

My Advice:

Dear Andrea,

I am a Remedial Massage Therapist and I come across people suffering from foot problems such as flat feet, or high arches or instep problems.

To answer your question, will it cause issues down the line, yes it will. Problems such as pain and discomfort ranging from the feet to the lower back.

I recommend my clients to go to Athletes foot in particular to walk on their simulator, which shows the problem areas. The staff, with this information then prescribes an insert suitable to fix and alleviate the problem.  They take the shoe that you will wear often, take the manufacturers insert out and replace it with a prescribed insert. Remember inserts wear out over time like all inserts do, it is recommended that they are replaced every 3 months or if worn out sooner.

I respect that the staff are sales people, but they are educated enough to know when to say to the customer they need to see a podiatrist.

When you have the inserts fitted they feel very comfortable, there is a variety of brands available and at variable prices, Dr Scholl’s is one of many, and you choose the ones that feel best for you. The bigger the price tag doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best.

These inserts are highly effective and I use them myself. If the problem is more serious I then refer them to a podiatrist.

Usually, with simple problems such as flat feet, inserts do the same job as orthotics without the hefty price tag.

I hope this helps.