Flat foot is a common problem which is often not necessarily a problem. Flat feet may increase the risk for other conditions developing and could turn out to be painful on its own. For that reason, flat feet is usually dealt with to help these problems and perhaps to stop further problems from developing. The most typical treatment for flatfoot tend to be foot orthoses or supports. These can be possibly the mass-produced prefabricated type which is picked to match up the shape and requirements with the feet or they are of the bespoke variety that is fabricated from an impression with the foot and is highly accurate for the specifications of that person. The studies points too the end result between the custom and pre-made sort of foot orthoses is mostly comparable. Having said that, in the clinic, what's suitable for every individual can vary. Usually the using foot orthoses can be combined together with the use of strength training.

There are options and many ask if the arch support which is integrated in flip-flops, such as the Archies brand name from Australia could be part of an alternative to foot orthoses. In Australia, they will call flip flops, thongs. The Archies brand have an arch which is built into them that is approximately the same size and also contour associated with the available for public use arch supports that you can buy over the counter in stores. Given that they are very very much the same, then they in all probability can be employed interchangeably. Mild cases of flat feet are generally managed using the over the counter arch supports, so they quite possibly may be managed with flip-flops much like the Archies flip flops as a substitute.

The problem which can arise is if the flat foot is especially severe and more sizeable support is required to manage it, especially if it can be painful. In such cases the over-the-counter arch supports or the Archies thongs won't be adequate and a prescription custom foot orthoses are usually necessary. You should talk to your healthcare professional concerning the choices in these cases. Having said that, they can be still worthwhile as a chosen lifestyle alternative once you do need foot orthotics. Due to footwear choices are significant once you need to use foot inserts or foot orthoses, your option as to the choice of shoes are usually limited. Using the flip flops like the Archies with the arch support, especially in the warmer areas whenever you don't want to wear shoes can be a great option. Alternately in between using the foot supports in supportive shoes and the Archies could make practical sense and also be advantageous. As always, talk with with your treating health professional about the preferred choices here before doing a lot of activity in one or the other.

In our practice located in Croydon, Australia we are most likely among the largest stockist of Archies in Australia. These flip flops are selling well. Pretty much everyone which puts on a pair of Archies in our practice, will buy them. On my Podiatry Soapbox blog, I have even created a video regarding how we adjust the Archies flip flops to provide them a great deal more support in those who require it.

Craig Payne