122 | Flat Feet – Is there a fix?
Welcome to episode 122 of The Optimal Body Podcast
Flat Feet – Is there a fix?
Got Flat Feet? You’re in luck. DocJen & Dr. Dom unravel the misconceptions surrounding flat feet. Firstly, they explain the importance of focusing on function, rather than structure with more and more research, science is shifting away from scans, structure, and alignment indicating pain, injury, or dysfunction. They describe the different types of flat feet, their prevalence, and which of the diagnosis tends to be more commonly associated with symptoms. Briefly, DocJen & Dr. Dom discusses potential factors that could increase the risk of having symptoms associated with flat feet, and how the body may have adapted to foot positioning up the chain to accommodate flat feet as a consequence of the modern-day shoe. They provide their best tips to address your flat feet for optimal function, which includes more time spent barefoot and exercises to increase arch and foot awareness. Let’s dive in to find what’s optimal for your flat feet!
It’s summer! As DocJen & Dr. Dom embarks on new adventures, traveling all around the US, they find themselves on a spontaneous hike more often than not. VivoBaefoot’s Tracker Forest esc has an extra grippy bottom and protects your feet against the rocky and varying terrains of nature, yet allows your feet to breathe and maneuver with ease. Get 15% off using code ‘TOB’ at checkout (affiliate code).
What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl:
3:05 – What does having a Flat Foot mean?.
7:23 – Flat Feet & Walking
8:20 – Compensatory Patterns
9:28 – Prevalence of different flat feet diagnosis
11:23 – Risk factors associated with symptomatic flat feet
12:58 – Signs & Symptoms
15:10 – Noticing tendencies within the body
15:40 – Shoes
18:32 – Exercises to increase arch awareness
22:15 – Research and a PTs Role
23:23 – How VivoBarefoot shoes can help flat feet
Research Citations
Advanced Foot & Ankle. (n.d.). Flat Feet Pain Treatment & Symptoms. [online]
Aenumulapalli, A. (2017). Prevalence of Flexible Flat Foot in Adults: A Cross-sectional Study. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH. [online]
Gross, K.D., Felson, D.T., Niu, J., Hunter, D.J., Guermazi, A., Roemer, F.W., Dufour, A.B., Gensure, R.H. and Hannan, M.T. (2011). Association of flat feet with knee pain and cartilage damage in older adults. Arthritis Care & Research, [online] 63(7), pp.937–944.
Kohls-Gatzoulis, J., Angel, J.C., Singh, D., Haddad, F., Livingstone, J. and Berry, G. (2004). Tibialis posterior dysfunction: a common and treatable cause of adult acquired flatfoot. BMJ, 329(7478), pp.1328–1333.
MedicineNet. (2020). Flatfoot (Pes Planus) Treatment, Symptoms & Shoes. [online]
O’Leary, C.B., Cahill, C.R., Robinson, A.W., Barnes, M.J. and Hong, J. (2013). A systematic review: The effects of podiatrical deviations on nonspecific chronic low back pain. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 26(2), pp.117–123.
Rao, U. and Joseph, B. (1992). The influence of footwear on the prevalence of flat foot. A survey of 2300 children. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British volume, 74-B(4), pp.525–527.
We think you’ll love:
Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!
Follow Me on Insta
Treat Yo'Self!
Sign up to receive NEW updates and exclusive mobility and movement tips! Learn how to relieve pain, prevent injury, and optimize movement through WEEKLY newsletters!