fallen arches

[firepoppy]

i recently been told by podiartist that i have fallen arches have got arch support insoles but i find them hard to wear also having pain in ankles and shins does anyone have any experience of this or know any exercise that helps strenghten muscles or any thing else that helps with this problem.

[MissCommando]

I've got flat feet. I used to get terrible pain when in my knees when I walked up and down the stairs. Wore insoles with arches for a few months, a few sessions of physio and I was fine.

I remember the physio told me to sit flat on the floor and put a towel round my foot and use it to pull my foot towards me so I was stretching the back of my leg.

I don't know if that's what stopped the pain or a coincidence but I've been ok since. Oh and I was told to wear a shoe with a bit of a heel to give yourself an arch.

[Brinjal]

Have the arch supports been made especially for you? They need to fit properly. They do take time to get used to so perservere with them.

[firepoppy]

i got them from podiarty dept at hospital they where not custom made they where just ordered by the podiartist in hospital they are three quart lenght and are very hard compared to the ones my mum got hers was made from a mould of her foot and are full lenght and a lot more flexible.

[Jenna1978]

They do take a bit of getting used to, especially the harder ones - I find more flexible ones like gel inserts more comfortable. I have tried them for inflammation though rather than fallen arches - my ex suffered from flat feel though and he wore them.

He used to be very careful about his footwear and bought from places selling good quality supportive footwear with a decent sole, mainly Sketchers.

When I started getting really bad pain from plantar fasciitis I got some trainers from a sports shot - like fit flop type but a lot cheaper. They have a curved very thick bouncy sole and have made a huge difference. With arthritis I've been a lot more careful about footwear - I even make sure my slippers have a nice soft thick sole so I'm not walking flat to the ground to reduce the pressure/impact on my feet.