How much improvement can flat foot insoles bring to flat feet?
Flat foot insoles have remarkable improvement effects on flat feet.
Firstly, they provide crucial arch support. A key function of these insoles is to support the arch. In normal conditions, the arch cushions and distributes body weight during activities like walking and running. But in flat feet, the collapsed arch fails to disperse weight effectively. The arch support in the insole fills the void, helping reshape the arch's normal structure. When the foot touches the ground, the insole's arch part pushes up to prevent further collapse, keeping the bones and joints in a better position. This support also relieves pressure on the inner sole. Flat - footed people usually endure excessive inner - sole pressure while walking, causing pain and fatigue. Arch support insoles redistribute this pressure to the heel and forefoot, reducing it in common pain areas like the inner arch and navicular tuberosity. Research shows appropriate insoles can cut the peak inner - sole pressure by around 30% - 50%.
Secondly, they enhance foot biomechanics. Flat foot insoles aid in gait adjustment. The normal arch has a natural rolling motion from heel strike to toe - off. Flat - footed people have abnormal gaits due to arch issues affecting this motion. These insoles guide the foot to restore normal rolling, making the gait smoother. They also optimize force transmission between the foot and the ground. During exercise, body force should be well - transmitted through the foot, and the ground's reaction force should be properly received. The insoles improve this path, making force transmission more stable. This reduces pain in the legs, knees, and waist from improper force transmission, as foot problems often disrupt the lower limb and spine's mechanical balance.
Thirdly, they relieve pain and fatigue. For those with flat - foot - related pain, using these insoles provides immediate relief. Many flat - footed people experience pain in the arch, heel, or whole sole after long - term standing or walking. The insoles' support and cushioning relieve pressure on pain points, creating a more comfortable environment for painful tissues. After using suitable insoles, most patients report significant pain reduction, with 60% - 70% finding the relief sufficient to handle daily activities. Additionally, the insoles reduce foot - fatigue accumulation. By sharing the foot's pressure and improving force transmission, they prevent overwork of foot muscles and ligaments during activities, greatly reducing foot fatigue at the end of the day and facilitating daily tasks like shopping and sports.
Finally, they prevent foot - problem deterioration and complications. Continuous use of flat foot insoles can stop flat feet from worsening, especially important for children and adolescents. During growth, appropriate insoles guide normal foot development and avoid permanent arch collapse. Early support and correction reduce the risk of serious flat - foot - related complications in adulthood. Flat feet can lead to issues like plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and genu valgus. The insoles improve the foot's mechanical environment to reduce these risks. For example, they correct foot posture to decrease plantar fascia over - stretching, preventing plantar fasciitis. The improved posture also maintains knee and ankle alignment, reducing the risk of lower - limb deformities like genu valgus.
How much improvement can flat foot insoles bring to flat feet? 
