What are Flat Feet?

If you were to look at the feet of most people, you’d see a noticeable upward arch at the bottom of the foot.

The arch in your foot looks the way it does because tendons (strong, tight bands that attach the heel and bones of the foot) tense and flex as they maintain the right amount of pressure to keep your body well balanced and mobile.

For those who suffer from flat feet, their tendons do not do this. This can mean people with flat feet often suffer from cramps, aches and fatigue, as the arches of their feet are always flat to the ground rather than flexed.

What Causes It?

There are lots of reasons for having flat feet, most of them are extremely common.

Some people have flat feet because of their genetics. Flat feet can run in families, and it’s simply a matter of a few different genetic factors coming together.

Some people who suffer from flat feet do actually have an arch in their foot, but it is only visible when they are sitting. Once weight comes down on the foot, the arch can no longer support itself, and so the foot flattens against the ground.

Some people even develop flat feet due to an injury to their foot or ankle.

What Can Help?

To help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort that flat feet can bring, there are a few different things you can try.

Oral and injected medications can help relieve inflammation and pain, with injected corticosteroids the most extreme form of treatment.

Stretching exercises and physical therapy can loosen the arch muscles of the feet, to provide some relief from pain and inflammation. It also a good idea that those with flat feet wear orthotic shoes to provide long-term respite from pain.

How Can Kenkoh Help?

Kenkoh massage sandals have specific design features that can help those with flat feet.

The raised arch support nodules in the footbed ofKenkoh sandals for example provide targeted support and relief to the plantar arch – the main problem area for people with flat feet. At the same time, the reflexology and acupressure-conscious design of our sandals massage the soles of the feet, with the elastomer inner sole offsetting and absorbing shock.

For those with flat feet, this means clinically proven relief from the symptoms of flat feet, and a sandal that supports, massages and heals while you walk.