6 Tips For Dealing With Flat Feet

Flat feet have not developed a proper arch and are more common among obese people, diabetics, and those with arthritis. The condition can lead to foot pain and swelling in some people. If you have flat feet, making the appropriate life changes may help improve your condition. 

Here are a few tips for dealing with flat feet.

Buy the Proper Footwear 

When you have fleet feet, the type of shoes you wear becomes even more important. Since your feet lack a proper arch, look for shoes that provide good arch support. These shoes will help prevent discomfort in your feet throughout the day. If you are having difficulty selecting the right shoes, you should ask a salesperson for assistance.

Massage Your Feet

A foot massage does not just feel nice and relaxing. It can also relax the muscles and joints in your feet, reducing pain. If you do not want to go to a professional massage therapist, consider massaging your feet yourself at the end of the day. 

Limit Physical Activity When You Have Pain

Regular exercise is certainly beneficial for your overall health. However, when the pain from your flat feet flares up, you should limit your physical activity. Allow the pain to dissipate before you begin exercising again. To reduce the risk of future pain, do not forget to properly stretch your feet before working out.

Consider Losing Weight

Extra weight can worsen flat foot pain. If you are carrying around too many pounds, it can put too much pressure on the tendons and muscles in your feet. Therefore, if you're currently overweight, it may make sense to lose a few pounds through sensible diet and exercise.

Try Exercises for Flat Feet

If you have flat feet, it may also be a good idea to perform certain foot exercises regularly. For example, you can try rolling a tennis ball under your feet or raising your calves. These exercises can help strengthen your arches, ultimately reducing your pain.

Think About Surgery

If nothing seems to relieve pain from flat feet, your doctor may recommend surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon will reshape your feet to help provide better arch support. 

If you follow these helpful tips, you may be able to relieve pain from flat feet. If you have additional questions about your foot condition, you should set up an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

For more information, reach out to a clinic like Ankle & Foot Specialists of Puget Sound.