An individual is said to have flat feet or fallen arches, when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened, allowing the sole of the foot to touch the ground entirely when standing. As a result of this people with fallen arches may see the foot roll over the inner side when standing or walking and see the feet point outwards.
Flat foot is typically the result of the arches not developing during childhood however it can also occur after an injury, after a pregnancy or from the simply from aging (years of wear and tear can weaken the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle that helps support the arch). Other factors that can contribute to flat foot are obesity, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
People with fallen arches may experience pain in their feet, particularly when connecting ligaments and muscles are strained. Flat foot can also affect leg joints most commonly resulting in pain in the ankles and knees and altering the alignment of the legs. Other symptoms of this foot ailment include: pain in the foot or the arch of the foot; swelling in the ankles, hip and lower back pain; stiffness in one or both feet; and shoes wearing unevenly (due to the uneven distribution of body weight which can wear the shoes more on one side than the other).
Treatments for fallen arches include exercises to stretch the Achilles tendon (which is often shortened with some people who have flat feet); physical therapy and arch supports (which provide only temporary support). The Barefoot Science System offers clinically proven aid with the pain and symptoms associated with flat feet.
The Barefoot Science insoles are designed to help align the feet to their proper positioning thus providing them with the right support to function normally, and strengthen the arch. The patented dome helps with the stabilization of the entire foot which in turn rehabilitates and strengthens weakened foot muscles. It naturally stimulates and strengthens the foot, optimizing performance and comfort.