The Big Lie About Flat Feet & Custom Arch Supports.

[@iowadrummer7]

You know what I appreciate most about your videos? Your evidenced based approach. No wild claims. No bigging yourselves up. Just facts backed by evidence.

[@rabbitwho]

they get the bigging themselves up out of the way at the beginning 😃 even wrote a song about it

[@hotmetalslugs]

Yeah but they didn’t really advise on how to fix this. Or even if it’s fixable.

[@Banininator]

@@hotmetalslugs They did tho, every case its different so there is no real point on saying a ¨magical advice¨ you should go to your doctor.

[@anthondeutsch3133]

I have been sick 19 years and was wheel chair bound because of medical malpractice for 5 yeas. It is so refreshing and so uplifting to hear honest physicians which are more interested in the health and overall wellbeing of people than senseless moneymaking. There is a way t make money, to have a successful career without having to turn patients into ATM' s. Thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos, thank you for your help, God bless.

[@boundariessetinstone5893]

Same happen to me and my mom I’m still crippled 22 yrs going dr to Dr to Dr. I know mine is from a collapsed arch but no drs will listen.

[@johnvirk8443]

hope you get better, seen a patient similar case, dr was shot by the patient, patient became crippled, most doctors are money hungry and have these god complex.

[@bonniebolan296]

​@@boundariessetinstone5893😢

[@esotericsolitaire]

I was born with flat feet and wore corrective shoes as a child. Both of my feet developed arches that were present until my 50s, then the right one developed a bunion and the arch fell to the flattest it's ever been. About four years ago, my hips and knees began to hurt. The pain was not severe but dull and intermittent. I found that hiking was not fun anymore and I was becoming fatigued more easily. This past doctor checkup showed low vitamin D levels, and the doc said my foot issues should have been addressed ten years ago. He recommended going to a podiatrist, and if not that, get some good quality arch supports. Yes, I ended up paying a fortune, but I believe it is worth it. My tendonitis is better. My hips and knees feel better. My fatigue level has improved. I'm more motivated rather than just wanting to sit, which is heck on the hips itself in the long run. The vitamin D supplements and decent shoes with good arches are doing wonders. Don't kid yourself. Take care of your feet and avoid future musculoskeletal issues. Nursing homes are far more expensive than expensive orthotics.

[@cmlegend88]

Your song at the beginning is my new ringtone on my cell

[@RezoUI]

LOL

[@ndk4]

😂😂🤣

[@kellykalish9143]

Awwww

[@heavenlee5654]

Is this actually true? If so How did you make that happen

[@ether6481]

Lol

[@PadmaDorjee]

You guys are the coolest dudes on KZbin. Thank you for your generosity with all the free advice you give which would cost me and others thousands. You are an inspiration.

[@kaaaah2003]

It's not free. KZbin pays moderately even though their time and efforts appreciated.

[@bonniegrace6633]

I worked my way up from the cheap ones to the $300 ones. Walmart use to have a machine that you could step on and tell you which insoles were best for you. The insoles were $60 a pair and were slightly soft and wore out in 6 to 9 months. They worked the best for me. I finally broke down and went to the $300 insoles. They are hard but I don’t have to keep buying them. Over the 12 years I’ve had them, I’m sure I have saved money. Yes they hurt several months getting use to them, but now I can wear flip flops or go barefoot many hours before my feet start to hurt. The hard insoles also cured my sciatica too.

[@tonytran7382]

Bonnie I need your help, expert advice, would a hard console, the $300 one will help with someone like me qhos basically bone on bone, all my tissues are gone from numerous injuries over the years...?

[@alexgoico]

How do you mean hard?

[@bonniegrace6633]

I went to the Good Feet store. They test your feet and tell you what inserts will work for you. The insoles are hard plastic. I know there are other stores that do the same thing, but I don’t remember their names. I would research stores on line and see if one is close to you.

[@2010dragonclaw]

podiatrist here...I have been reading comments regarding pain with new orthotics. yes, break them in slowly. But, the #1 reason I find that people have pain is because their feet/legs are not ready for them due to equinus...tight calf muscles (so, do your runner's stretches daily). If your calf is tight (which is where most of the muscles are that control your foot) then your foot will do what it wants, not be able to adapt to the device and fight the orthotic.. which results in pain. Also, people that have pain with a mild device (an arch support with a small/low arch) usually require MORE support rather than less (although more support does not necessarily mean higher arch device, it could mean a tilted device, etc). Sure, if it was a perfect world and flatfooted people could walk on the beach or the grass and sand all day and no one had sensation loss from diabetes and there weren't tetanus HepC laden drug needles lying around we could all walk barefoot and not have problems. It's the relentless walking on hard flat surfaces that brings out a lot of these problems in our feet. (btw, I see a lot of stress fractures from minimalist shoes...if you are going to use them, use a slow, careful training regimen with gradual increase in intensity and duration to give your bones time to adapt and firm up). I'm all for foot exercises, but sometimes people need more.

[@orangeclaw]

Thanks!

[@BobandBrad]

Thanks for your support. Take care!!

[@lindahay2239]

I had a bad case of plantar fasciitis 16 years ago, got custom orthotics & have been fine ever since. I have a full foot & a half foot, both somewhat flexible. I have had to replace them twice in 16 yrs. I really enjoy your videos, keep them coming!

[@pennydls5073]

I just recently learned I have flat feet. Thank you for saying these! That's probably why you're the most famous physical therapist in the internet. You're for the people, not the industry. So thank you!💛

[@Blakehx]

Thanks for a great video! I used to work in a shoe department and I always tell people to go into a store and just ask to open up and try out multiple insoles to see what's most comfortable! I was born with completely flat feet and I do get custom made orthotics but I wear size 16 shoes so off-the-shelf insoles just don't fit! I've had them made several different places but my current and best ones are double layer semi-rigid foam! Before you decide to get custom made orthotics, ask if they have any samples you can try on or at least look at! In my experience, choosing the right shoe is most important, an insoles is just an amendment but not a substitute!

[@javaskull88]

My rolling ankle/flat feet didn’t bother me earlier in life. I walked funny and suffered a lot of sprained ankles and falls, but didn’t understand the cause. In middle age, I grew more concerned about my falls, but still didn’t realize the cause. I got orthotics, then custom orthotics, to support my arch. At 58, a doctor raised alarm at the way I stood, and that my leg was actually bent and my foot stuck out at an odd angle. Finally an orthopedic surgeon diagnosed me at age 60, and I’m scheduled for a triple ankle fusion. I’m so frustrated that many, many previous PTs, podiatrists, and physicians didn’t spot it an explain it to me. I would have gotten it corrected 40 years ago.

[@mariap4828]

I have All of that and since 2008 w a real PT tendinitis! Intermittent severe pain led me to having that triple Arthrodesis on the one ankle. I’m 14 weeks post op and in an Aircast. PT hasn’t been assigned yet. Still using 1-2 crutches to walk. I hope you’re much better at the time of my reply.

[@bigbattenberg]

A good video, but really you should have gotten someone in with true flat feet. Would have been much clearer to show the flat foot mechanics.

[@brendamller]

bigbattenberg I said the same thing I will show them what a real flat foot looks like 😔

[@joogee3978]

bigbattenberg If you want to see what flat fleet look like, look up images of "over-pronation"

[@dustinmikesell7908]

My foot is as flat as Kansas. Lol

[@marinesnow025]

the doctor said my flat feet are EXTREME no lie

[@robinlillian9471]

bigbattenberg: Most people aren't born with flat feet. They just sag later in life and do look like that.

[@julieross546]

You have made my day! Now I know what is the matter with me! I could not understand why my knees were becoming so knock kneed over the past few years and it is just getting worse. Both feet are flat as a pancake and I realize from watching this video it is from lack of an arch. It is affecting my knees and hips just like you said in your video it affects everything on up. I was that person who purchased those supports for HUNDREDS of dollars and they didn't fit well and finally ended up in the back of a drawer, and I gave up wearing anything. WoW, thank you. I will be trying to find some supports that fit correctly and don't cost an arm and a leg.

[@williamfelts8383]

I've had flat feet (actually flat) my whole life and I've never had a problem, except for when I have arch support in my shoes. Similar to what they mentioned towards the end of the video, I switched to forefoot running sometime in highschool because I rolled my ankles a lot with thick heels on my shoes. Now I wear minimalist running shoes (basically the thickness of a tortilla) and I run trail and mountain ultramathons without any problems. Yoga, good nutrition, and listening to your body and not over training can fix a lot of problems.

[@seniorscientist590]

My son has really flat feet. He plays soccer all day everyday and now in 7th grade he plays on 8th grade #1 team, and he's one of the fastest on the field. Never has he complained. I worry as his dad just because he runs with toes out, but doesn't seem to be an issue.

[@SiklistangBano]

I second this. I have extemely flat Asian feet... I leave sasquatch looking foot prints on the pool side. Forefoot running did fix Shin splits, runner's knee, and plantar fasciitis for me. Cycling with cleats help too... Pressure is on the forefoot.

[@journey4109]

Yoga is boring.. I would rather driving all day long compare to yoga.

[@bie-p1l]

arch supports actually helped my feet alot they relieve my pain

[@sherlock_backs]

@@journey4109 Hippie shit

[@CitizenK-212]

I was told by a doctor, the pain you feel when using a custom rigid insole, is because it's correcting the issue. I kept on wearing it for a few weeks and the pain went away like the doc said it would.

[@trouts4444]

Two of my doc's said the same thing after two tries at making custom orthotics. There was no improvement over time. Both were painful to wear and that never changed. The lab that made one set made modifications twice that did not help. What works for me is using a stock insole like from Spenco with a hole cut out to accomidate the area of the hammer toe. The hole cannot be made smooth at least by me. My foot chaffs on the hole cut edges over long hikes - 4-5 miles. One podiatrist suggest putting a sticky pad underneath the insole with a hole cut so the hammer toe could push against the Spenco insole with no hole and not bottom out. I've been using that setup for several years. Updated Feb 2021. The sticky felt pads in bulk rolls are available online in various thicknesses. The Spenco insoles I use are soft to moderately firm and are their plain vanilla insole that is not firm or hard. For running shoes I use Spenco's rubber like pad with a fabric top. It is a sheet not a cut insole. It's thin but not firm and supports my foot well. I put a thinner sticky pad or no sticky pad with those depending on the shoes like running shoes. You have to muck around to see which pads and side thickness of felt sticky work with a hole cut in the felt not the pad or insole. Note, if you aggravate your foot when experimenting what size hole cut works for you then you have to wait until your foot is back to "normal". If you aggravate your foot and keep testing then the foot is not going to respond well. Leave gaps when trying things out that don't work well so you get a clear read on what you made or changed. Also note: If I make a hold in a felt pad and stick it to an insole and it works. It may only work in that shoe and not others. I have 2 to 4 shoes that work well with the modified insoles with pad and holes. They are all the same. A pad that works in one won't necessairly work in another shoe of the same make and model. ? I don't know why.

[@garybrown9719]

I wore some aggressive custom supports for 5 years never got used to the Raising my arches and then standing on my toes fix my falling of arch

[@ZayCold]

Gary Brown you fixed your arch by standing on your toes for how long?

[@andyrudy8627]

@@ZayCold yes I'd like to know too.

[@jimshort9266]

tawn sawyer I have the hard plastic custom insoles I wear in my work boots but I use Powersteps by Pinnacle in all my other shoes. Powersteps are far better than most out there. I found them at Dicks Sporting Goods. Might try there website if you can’t find them. I’ve heard good things about Spenco also but have not tried them.

[@lawrencelewis5800]

I've had to deal with my flat feet for 59 years and have never been able to find an arch support that did not hurt. I have to be careful not to buy sandals or flip flop with arches.

[@popoc9824]

Dang, I just passed 14years only now... It's a big pain iam a basketball player

[@inari0]

Ohhh me too!!!

[@lillybanks6999]

me too! dr gave me orthotics with arch and heel, I hate them. Hurt so bad, intense knee ankle and hip pain with them. I know its supposed to happen the first week or two, but its excrutiating

[@lawrencelewis5800]

@@lillybanks6999 I can't wear anything with an arch. I had a pair of sandals with an arch that I wore to Disneyland, BIG MISTAKE. I was walking around barefoot by early afternoon. I work college football games and tried to wear some orthotics a couple of times. Had to take them out by halftime. Flat feet are fine with me.

[@Andrew-it7fb]

Orthotics would help me for a little bit and then something else would start hurting. I eventually ditched them and worked on strengthening my feet and arches. Now I either go barefoot or wear minimalist shoes and have no pain.

[@slomo1716]

YOU guys are hysterical! I went to my PT fella today and mentioned how I felt my left foot was rolling when I walked. We discussed the arch supports might alleviate ALL the pain on my left side. So I went shopping and found your video about arch supports. Found one I liked from Denmark for $30.00 but they don't take discover. So off I go to find something else and still affordable! Thank you for explaining this topic! God Bless!

[@1murder99]

When I went through my Army physical the doctor wrote across my chart in big letters PES PLANUS. So naturally they sent me to infantry school.

[@Str4ng3F0lk]

ow ow ow

[@lizherbst7393]

I love my custom orthotics!!! They’ve been life changing, honestly. Luckily, insurance covered it. I had to build up to wearing it full time. I think it was an hour a day, building up over several weeks. Good to know that off-the-shelf type will work as well. The good thing about custom for me too, is I didn’t have a trial and error period. Having said that, if insurance didn’t cover it, I wouldn’t want to pay for custom, and it’s great to know that store bought option could do the trick. Thanks for another great video!

[@ms.5779]

Please get a model with flat feet, no arch. Bob feet has a slight arch and I'm sure he understand the pain yet I think the flatter the feet the more intense the pain. Also do a tutorial on taping the feet for arch support

[@MrAnonymzz]

Not really needed we understand the problem

[@loreneedwards6215]

I just saw a podiatrist today. On walking in, he stated many docs would say OHH SHE HAS GREAT ARCHES, however with weight bearing I pronated and that pronation has caused separation of the bones at the top of my foot, causing extreme lateral foot pain running down the 5th toe and the corresponding ligaments. Podiatrist wants me to get customs, but I need immediate relief.

[@nicolletesand2205]

Lorene Edwards Have you checked out the Correct Toes website. The Podiatrist who invented the Correct Toes device has an excellent website with foot exercises. He sells a toe aligner device that you can orde online or buy from an authorized dealer near you. They're located in Oregon but they do online consultations. I'm guessing it's via Skype or Facetime. Also, look up intrinsic foot strengthening videos. I've tried the device and the exercises, and can honestly say they're life changing. Good luck!

[@timyatcak3292]

a flattened arch is NOT the problem: it is maximally pronated subtalar joints. My father had the flattest feet I had ever seen clinical, BUT they came off the ground totally pronated and landed totally pronated. It is the chronicity of slamming the subtalar into maximal pronation that get the pathology..LEARN something

[@jackiepousson8497]

With one flat foot (on a leg that is shorter than the other) plus a history of SI dislocation I had a major problem this year with my piriformis when I stopped using my custom orthotic for a few weeks. I also started having knee problems also. The leg length discrepancy made my problem harder to correct without custom.

[@rickkane8043]

I have FAI and I’m limping when I walked and I observed my arch on my feet collapsed and I felt a pain on my foot and I used some arch support it helps to relieve the pain. I think I developed PTTD - Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction but I’m not sure I think I need to see a Podiatrist.

[@joshuasasfire2759]

Foot and calf strength are more important for people with flat feet. I had a buddy with flat feet bounce around on his toes practicing boxing footwork for about two months and it really helped his foot and ankle pain that he had from flat feet. His whole posture is different.

[@scootermacarthy5990]

I'd like to comment on the statement at 8:00 about why some supports are rigid. It's because plantar fasciitis can be caused by the arch caving in and stretching the tendon where it connects to the heel causing inflammation. The rigidness keeps the arch in place so the arch doesn't collapse. This info is from my podiatrist years ago as I was getting that terrible foot pain in the heel. A good pair of shoes helped me because the arch support is very good and seems to hold up really well. The brand is Merrell and it took me a long time to find them. I tried those inserts but they wound up being too thick and hurting my foot. Thanks for your videos!!!

[@iamyu]

no lies, when i was younger, thought feet are supposed to be flat

[@quinnoq1642]

true! every time i saw one of those footprints with arches they sometimes put on the floors to help you find the way, i was soo confused

[@SourStrawberrys]

And when I was younger, it thought it was normal to have back pains when walked for a while. Until I realize other who were walking the same same distance wasn't having such pain.

[@Tatusiek_1]

really? when i was young i never knew that flat foot was a thing

[@BlacKWidoW70s]

Me too lo

[@ivoneribeiro661]

I get terrible back pains and hip groin went to have my feet scanned...he suggested get a custom made one fir both feet. I cant get use to it and I feel the same pain wise my outer heels burn at night that I cant sleep any suggestions .? Thank you

[@keithlutman8009]

I got shin splints every track and cross country season in high school. This was 40 years ago, when nobody knew about orthotics. Finally in college I found a doctor who made a custom pair. I was able to run all the time without pain and eventually coached cross country as an adult, running with the kids! I put hundreds of miles on my legs with no problem. Orthotics are a blessing. They are not a lie!

[@redd605]

I went to foot specialist yesterday, there did a scan and found I was walking wrong ,my balance had gone and used a computer foot print out of my foot and for a cast moulding , for me to walk straight again ,I was relieved, because it had affected me for a long time the unexpected pain these last few years.

[@SiyangMusic]

i find that many people who dont have overpronated feet try to give advice to us when they dont experience the pain and fatigue that comes without a custom orthotic. in my experience, i cannot walk >200m without my custom orthotics or i get pain in my feet knees hips lower back, so im the one who votes for them

[@chips1752]

Chung Siyang hey fellow flat feet here. Try doing exercises with your feet and run bare foot, its developed more muscle on my feet. With the extra strength in your foot it becomes easier to tug on the inner portion of the foot while pushing down with your toe, its hard to explain but by doing this I have no problems with my flat feet, just that as soon as my leg muscles tire out my foot goes back to its regular weak self and I have to take a break.

[@samuelbekele3601]

Have you tried walking barefoot with a forefoot strike?

[@christophermallett8166]

Why in the world anyone be happy wearing orthotics when taking the time improve muscles in the necessary areas will give you an overall better quality of life.

[@judyberends4586]

Chung Siyang. It is so painful because everything gets out of whack.

[@MrWalidtebarki]

Chung Siyang it is like wearing a belt to support your back. It does the job for you and over time your muscles become weaker and weaker till you cannot even walk without support. I went through it but never allowed to depend on it ..trained my muscles to get stronger and l found the issues to fix...mostly biomechanics. the body is a healing process when it has the right alignement.

[@candlercando]

Artificial arch support hurts my flat feet. The best thing I've found is stability based running shoes and standard shoes with a heel work fine too.

[@sheilasmith1109]

EXCELLENT TOPIC and presentation (as always)! Please please please talk about the 3 arches! My arch at base of my toes, is so flat and I SUFFER from pain constantly! It’s SO difficult to find any insole support SPECIFICALLY for the “transverse arch”, which is just behind the line of where your toes start! My entire foot is collapsing and this arch hurts so much! PLEASE address this issue as no other PT’s or other KZbin videos do! Thanks so much!

[@finnwalker-joe]

Thank you for directing me to this video, very instructive!

[@BobandBrad]

Glad you liked it!

[@johnlacey5068]

In my experience, being born with very flat feet, there is nothing that has been more painful than arch supports. I was a jogger for more than 20 years and did no damage to myself. I did twist my ankle a few years ago which has given me problems, but not my feet. When I buy shoes that have a small soft arch support, I cut them out after they give me pain. I am almost 80 and have had no problems with my flat feet, only with the arch supports that guys like you recommend.

[@lornalisa5974]

John your right. When i also use arch supports my feet are in sharp pain. I'd rather be barefoot or use supporting socks, am 32.

[@TheOhmahgawdz]

There's a big difference between a low arch and a clinically defined "flat foot". An actual flat foot is usually accompanied by tibial internal rotation and rearfoot valgus on weight bearing. A lot of people who claim they have "flat feet" actually don't.

[@ord1226]

I have had problems with my feet all my life. I always had full custom arch supports, when I was young I went to a custom shoe store to buy shoes. In the Army they gave me have custom arch support and when march they rose up and I had to remove them. Today I use Powerstep Protech from VA. I only buy New balance walking shoes. Recently the pricing has gone sky high and I am thinking of purchasing Rockport Pro Walker that allow arch supports. I love your channel.

[@majamoore6209]

Speaking as a person that was born with flat feet & have worn custom inserts basically all my life and in more recent years the disposable prescription ones (off the shelf from my pediatrist) I can say from my personal experience that the custom ones are far better. The off the ship arch supports might be good for persons born with an arch, but the arch has fallen a bit over the years. However, I think persons born with flat feet need the custom ones. Any other viewers born with flat feet think the custom ones are not best? Not all custom arch supports are rigid. The ones I wore growing up were made out of what looked to be cork. I did get a hard plastic custom set once as an adult and those where not as comfortable as the cork ones. But the cork ones were far better than the off the shelf ones I have been getting from my pediatrist in the last 4 years. I will be going back to my custom cork ones.

[@boxofjuice4245]

Maja Moore agreed

[@mirzamay]

Maja Moore the best ones I had were custom made. I had new ones made but don't have them yet. Idk if the new ones will be better since the way the casts are made are different than before, I'm not inspired by it yet. I do know that my feet hurt all out of proportion so that it hurts to walk to the bathroom or stand for a few minutes. Otc orthotics did help... But not enough to make life comfortable. If these new ones don't help enough to just walk around the house without screaming constant pain I am going to inquire into surgery. It's pretty radical, but so is my pain and loss of function.

[@zachone172]

I've never had custom inserts, but recently I went to Dick's sporting goods and found some insoles named "Implus Plantar Fascitis" and they have been by far better than any other insert I've bought off the shelf. I used to try out different Dr. Scholls products all the time and even their custom fit ones where they have the machine in stores for you to stand on, but the inserts made by Implus are just the best by far from what I've tried out from retail stores.

[@santoshbatra8691]

In ll b benefitted by this information

[@mumpygumboo8554]

I wonder if flat feet can be exercised into having more of an arch? I once knew a senior citizen who told me that he picked up coke bottles with his feet as a young man with flat feet so that the police academy would accept him. He said it worked. He was a police officer for many years.

[@marlairons1205]

I have had pretty good aches but all of a sudden my knee would like float out as I was walking. I was told I needed arch supports. I spent a lot of money on a two step system I was sold to help. I absolutely cannot wear the harder set at all. They kill my feet after being on them for any amount of time. The other set I was told to wear when the others were too much or just in my house shoes. I’ve been wearing those only for the last week and my feet are killing me only after a.few minutes. Tonight I took off my shoes and stepped barefoot and now the arch in one of my feet are seriously injured. It’s been hurting for hours and that’s after elevation and trying my best to stay off it. I’m serious when I say I am crawling to go to the bathroom. I’m so mad that I’ve spent so much money on these stupid inserts and now I think they may have seriously messed up my foot. I’m planning on going back to that arch support store tomorrow (if I can walk) and get a refund. I’ve never had this kind of foot pain in my life! Stay away from the arch support stores! It’s highway robbery and it could really mess your feet up even worse.

[@aidaortega406]

You guys are better that the foot doctor I saw today.

[@abhakrishnan2907]

Great work guys ..I actually postponed purchasing these arch supports finally got lucky buying one iff the shelf😂

[@princegalaxywalker6273]

I was diagnosed with mobile flat feet at age 17 (38 years ago) but I unexpectedly formed arches in the last 16 months from an experiment I started on July 22, 2018. --The idea of supporting our arches is RIDICULOUS, as arches ARE a support. When we build bridges we use arches, but we don’t put in arch supports.-- My experiment was to see what would happen after a year of walking with no heel contact. I found out that this way I am using my arches so they absorb my weight by flexing at an angle, rather than taking all the weight directly on top, which can only flatten the arch. Also, when we walk on our heels, we mostly aren’t using our glute and hamstring muscles, as we are walking on our Skeleton. Walking on heels is like taking the shock absorbers off your vehicle. Now when I walk, my tendons, ligaments, muscles and connective tissue take the impact of the ground strike, and my skeleton just floats along for the ride. After 2 months of walking an average of 5 miles a day, with my heels just off the ground, my upper back tension vanished. After7 months, as I was able to keep my heels higher off the ground while walking, therefor using more of my hamstrings and glutes, the tightness in my gluteal muscles that I had for at least 25 years, was gone. After 12 months, my right foot had had formed a nice arch which amazed me. It looked like I had reconstructive surgery. My left foot had achieved a slight arch, and I’m looking for it to keep improving over the next 7 months. For the Rare person out there that will use this information rather than argue for their limitations,,,, have fun.

[@Justificus]

Just be a little cautious if you're prone to developing bunions. They are more likely to occur if most of your weight is always carried by the ball of the foot. Women who wear high heels constantly are far more likely to develop bunions than their counterparts who mainly wear flat shoes.

[@CozyPiper]

Prince Galaxywalker did you wear shoes to do that? Did you practice around the house, or did you go on walks? Did you build up to it or do it all the time? Barefoot? Socks? What did you wear on your feet to work? My left foot is worse, too. It seems weaker.

[@princegalaxywalker6273]

Leigh. Hi. I’ve built up my feet, ankles legs and glutes gradually, by doing it all the time. Hehuh. From the day I started I’ve always walked with no heel-to-ground contact, whether in my place or outside. When washing my dishes or brushing my teeth, if I realize I’m standing on my heels I lift them off the ground. Over the months I could get my heels higher off the ground. This year I’ve walked an average of 7 miles a day. Two more days left in my 17 month and yesterday I walked 4 miles without any pain in my ankle or foot. And today I walked without any pain. I hadn’t been able to do for the last 3 or 4 weeks. For the last month, when I’m at home, I hadn’t focussed as much on keeping my heels off the ground, as I was resting everything. Instead of my usual 5 or more miles a day, the last month I’ve done 2 to 4 miles a day A few months back, both my ankles were too sore to walk one day, so I danced( without any jumping around, but lots of sliding, with heels as high off the ground as possible) in my apartment, on the balls of my feet, for 4 to 8 hours, with socks, on a hardwood floor, without any pain. Then the next day my ankles were fine to walk again. So, I push myself so that I will improve, but not so hard that I’m not ready to do all it again the next day. In the first 16 months, I only took a few days off to rest/recover where I didn’t even walk one mile. (The other day when my foot was sore I walked a few yards with my old heel to toe style and there is no way I could go back to that as it’s basically limping. We aren’t using our hamstrings and glutes, and it is usually accompanied by poor posture) I have a few “shoe” options, which are all designed for “barefoot-style” walking and running. Vibrams 5 fingers are my favourite in dry weather, as well as Luna sandals (made in Seattle ) which are great, although once I started walking on the pads, I sometimes had an issue with a strap and my toe. I also have a pair of leather Merrell’s with a flat sole and no arch support which I use in wet conditions. I can also use them with waterproof socks. The soles are flexible enough to be rolled up. (I don’t wear anything on my feet that stops me from walking barefoot-style) Plus a pair of Merrell barefoot-style trail shoes. Happy walking!

[@fousies]

That’s interesting because I have almost flat feet and I used to walk on my toes as a kid and now I have hip problems

[@immap5709]

@@fousies interesting, my daughter is now 12 and was walking on her toes for many years,now she is on physical therapy and they wanted her to get a costume made insole and it cost 300$ not cheap I wander what can help.

[@patty8758]

God bless you both! 🙏🏻😔many Dr’s many, never unswer the way they should to our questions.

[@ikigai47]

"When he puts weight on it, you can see the arch goes down a little bit" (arch actually gets bigger when he demonstrates this)

[@TheChoralist]

3 different podiatrist told me the exact same thing. That custom orthotics are a waste of money and store brought work just as well

[@sonjalewis3047]

Spenco makes some of the best insoles & orthotic insoles. The cushioning is resilient and not too soft or squishy--which is actually dangerous for people with not-so-hot balance. Good support. I recommend NO metatarsal support. If you do have a nerve injury in your metatarsals (I do), the over-the-counter built-in metatarsal pad is probably going to be too hard, and in the wrong place. It's often best to just buy wider toe shoes (hard to find if you want looks, too!) Also, I agree with Bob & Brad, and many of their readers--custom orthotics are often too extreme.

[@stone1052]

I have a arch of 3 degrees after xrays and been using 20-40 dollar rubber ones for years and they never seemed to work, can’t even walk nine holes in golf, custom made ones really helped after the break in period

[@lisawheeler9425]

I have totally flat feet. My parents got me “special shoes” when I was a child and they were ugly and uncomfortable. I am now 61 and cannot wear orthotics. No other problems in legs or knee. Grateful.

[@pereiraplaza222]

I'm half your age and I used to get bullied a lot with those special shoes. I could never wear cool fashionable shoes.

[@gagecarty4290]

After damaging my left foot landing on a tree root when I was young I was told to wear custom metal orthopedics and sturdy shoes to cure the problems that I with my left foot and ankle, but now I still have problems with the left foot and ankle while none with the right foot. The heel of the shoe wears down while the other is hardly worn

[@paulb2995]

I have mild flat feet and I don't feel pain. I wear neutral running shoes, I only use insoles for converse type shoes. I truly believe that my barefoot training in the dojo has helped strengthen all the muscles and structural integrity involved in overpronation.

[@danielleupton2809]

This video was so informative, thank you, I was born with flat feet but didn't get orthotics until my late teens. I remember having really painful growing pains as a child too, I got basic orthotics off the doctor then went back when they got worn out and they made me some custom ones!!

[@factsoverfiction7826]

The best advice on shoes and support devices came from someone with my same foot problem.

[@chuckfinley3542]

I applaud your remarks on custom orthotics; they’re a key revenue stream for podiatrists. Having worked in the shoe biz that measured arches-not just the foot lengths, thicker off-the-shelf orthotics or custom ones make the shoe too small (by at least a half-size), continuing pain to the wearer. I’ve never known of a custom orthotic-selling podiatrist who actually measures the patient’s arches and compares that to the actual size of the shoes that the patient is wearing.

[@roberttimothy1338]

Hmmm, That's why you take the shoe insole out first before you install a orthotic device. Logic will tell you that.

[@Jayhaux]

@@roberttimothy1338 the thickness of a custom orthodic in no way compares to that of the insole.

[@brendamcchristy6044]

Thank you guys

[@Chooong7]

Your arches are immaculate. So thats how its supposed to look like 😂

[@rithe07]

I know. I'm jealous

[@rift0tripper]

lmao i just started looking for insoles for work. and my whole life i thought arch feet was something under the skin you couldnt see. but man you can really tell he has a damn arch. my foot hugs the floor from toe to heel .

[@3DHDcat]

@falchulk fuck hippies but he's right. We weren't meant to be on asphalt on concrete

[@BrioaZ]

@@rift0tripper try Samurai Insoles .. you can get them on Amazon for $40 .. I have flat feet and work 8 hours on my feet Mon thru Friday and they work! 🙂

[@rift0tripper]

@@BrioaZ I'll check it out thanks

[@sarahelizabeth5433]

I love these guys. They’re very knowledgeable, funny and easy to watch.

[@HS75624]

Writing cleary on Brad's feet with pen always helps my understanding!

[@okierose7268]

"Oooh that tickles Bob" 😂 Love tou guys!

[@bibleboy5722]

I volunteer,my feet are flatter than when people used to believe that earth was flat...

[@traditionalgirl3943]

Bible Boy, the Earth is flat, no kidding; look into it.

[@Jeremylovy]

The Earth is. not. flat.

[@thewaywelive2775]

People never used to think that. It's only in reason years people have become so stupid

[@timothybint4960]

I have flat feet , it started when I was sailing around the world , my feet are still flat but we made it all the way around with out falling off anywhere so it’s definitely not flat 😂

[@hughrnungus1]

@@Jeremylovy The earth is thicc

[@thomas-mc1tp]

This really helped me thank you guys

[@bettymiller1929]

I paid $500. for custom arch supports and they knocked my knees-hips- back out of line! I suffered a lot 🙁

[@amirs3739]

What do you mean?

[@bonnie1097]

I have very flat feet. I have been a clog dancer for 33 years and always walked a lot without problems. However, standing kills me. Repetitive motion with my work kills my back. I can see why the fluid movements with dance are good. My body is out of alignment because of my feet though. I have one leg shorter than the other and have scoliosis in my upper back. Makes me wonder if my bad foundation caused the scoliosis. In lots of pain from work and I'm finally making appointments to address it so i can keep doing the work I love.

[@thomasmcgillivray3997]

I have flat feet & many years ago I had a pair of custom made orthotics...now here is the argument against off the shelf orthotics versus custom made....the two feet are sometimes slightly different in many subtle ways...for example my right foot was slightly flatter to the ground than my right foot & the wear patterns on my shoes showed I had wear on the outside of the left foot heel...so of course each orthotic was engineered slightly differently to cater for those imbalances.

[@LaxBroBabe]

I have severe flat feet, I have never been pain free. I’ve never found an orthotic that helped. I even wear custom ones. I have pain from the feet, ankles, shins, knees, hips, groin, pubic bone, back, shoulders, neck. It affects the entire body. It’s just like a house, if u don’t have a good foundation, the whole house is no good. It sucks, it’s literally a painful and life long deformity. It’s so sad, it’s awful. It can really be debilitating and most people don’t realize.

[@ashithat2979]

What is your age?

[@jerryhampton5755]

So I have flat feet and I went years using off the shelf arch supports. It was miserable and then I got a custom arch support made and it changed everything. but I lost them when moving and still have not replaced them due to the expense

[@corinnem.239]

Thankyou. You explained in one video what my problems arw and my doctors have not.

[@ShiggledeeGuy]

I like how he just casually throws in that they switched to forefoot running.

[@ashsun5103]

Thank you for busting the custom orthotic myth!! I was contemplating on getting one but was hesitating given the cost.

[@manueldriggs7099]

Why anyone would spend a lot of money on an expensive custom orthotic and give up on them after one week is insane! I remember having to get accustomed to wearing my custom foot orthotics by wearing them for an hour the first day and then adding an hour each day after that. People expect instant results. It took me over two weeks to feel really comfortable with these and after several weeks, my Plantar Fasciitis pain disappeared! Those foot orthotics really improved my quality of life. People just need to be patient and compliant with their Podiatrist instructions in order to fully reap the benefits!!!

[@roberttimothy1338]

Exactly as a podiatrist would instruct you to do. 1 hour first day and work your way up over a course of a few weeks. Have to break the orthotic in as you would a pair of brand new shoes.

[@kabal28]

Patients do it all the time

[@jmc8076]

My hubby has true flat feet. Demo with marker was great. More of this type of basic info and demos please. 🙏👏

[@happysatisfaction6349]

The marker makes no sense, they jusg changed the position of the left foot to make it seem different. Dont be fooled.

[@6362491]

As a practicing podiatrist for 35 plus years I understand what you are trying to do. I hand fabricate my orthotics in stages according to the 3 plane deformity that excessive pronation is. I keep my fees reasonable at $258.00! You are correct that a rigid orthotic is uncomfortable and semi-flexible is a better choice. The problem with the OTC arch supports is they assume everyone's anatomy of the longitudinal arch is in the same place and it isn't. Too bad you didn't explain the biomechanics of a flat foot in more detail, but then as physical therapists I guess your not expected to know that information. The talo-naviular joint needs supported and here you miss the mark. Also there has to be forefoot posting to reduce excessive pronation at the mid-tarsal joint. I also post the rear foot to control the sub-taler joint, yes 2 points of control. The flat Spenco insole you demonstrated offers only help for compression and shearing forces. The mistake physicians make is that they assume a flat foot is very flexible and a hard material is necessary for control, actually when you fabricate orthotics I found out this isn't the case. Patients with flat feet can't take as much correction as you think they need. When you fabricate the orthotic you can push the envelope and over-correct and then back it off which works very well and you can note the end point of comfort and control. More podiatrists should consider a stepwise fabrication in-office model and as physical therapists learn more biomechanics if your going to speak as an "expert".

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Jim Cusack lol. Ya, PTs aren’t educated on the mechanics of the foot. Lol 🤦🏽‍♂️. Btw, “doctor”, you might want to go and check your spelling. Talonavicular and subtalar, of course I wouldn’t know that because I’m “just” a PT and have never heard of such joints. I use to refer a lot of patients to DPMs, until my father in law suffered from a ruptured tibialis anterior tendon. The change in mechanics, lack of strength and change in his gait and dynamic stability for me made the Dx pretty obvious. I then referred him to a DPM to get a more extensive opinion and some imaging. At this point I finally realized that DPMs are really good at clipping toe nails, shaving down calluses and casting for $400-600 orthotics for everyone who walked through the door. As someone who uses custom and OTC orthotics, I believe that sometimes people do need custom, as you said, everyone’s foot anatomy isn’t the exact same, but I now refer those people to try an OTC first for $30-60. If that doesn’t work with the PT, I then send them to an orthopedic specialist that focuses on the foot and ankle. Oh, and it’s awesome that you are aware that the ankle pronation/supination is a multi joint tri planar motion that takes place at all 3 axis 👏🏻👏🏻

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

And honestly. Would it really matter much if they went over and described that for example Pronation takes place at multiple joints and in all 3 planes of motion; 1. Forefoot abduction, 2. subtalar eversion and 3. Dorsiflexion at the talocrural joint. These videos aren’t designed to be con Ed courses for foot and ankle experts, it’s supposed to be for the common person who would have no idea what any of these terms mean.

[@lee-ann1589]

Thanks for your honesty.

[@thomasmcgillivray3997]

I have another tip that may be helpful to some people.....for my daily walks which are usually around one hour, I always walk on soft absorbent grass surfaces where possible rather than the harder surfaces such as concrete & bitumen etc.

[@runrafarunthebestintheworld]

Yes it's apparently good for your health to walk on grass.

[@Liz-cmc313]

Love your channel ❤️. I have very flat feet which causes many problems. My daughter has the same problem. I've had my ACL torn,knee cap off center, arthritis,etc. Thank you for this information!

[@rcole6679]

I can’t live with my custom orthotic! When I’ve left it at home, I’ve paid the price! Off the shelf may work for some, but not me!

[@lisapeterson3246]

I appreciate the topic as I was born with flat feet. I caution any ladies from getting a support that has a little 'heel' on the bottom rather than a heel cup becaue the little heel (that is often found on custom supports) just pushes your heel up and then you will need heel grips to keep your shoes on.

[@SobrietyandSolace]

I find I definitely need a high arch and then a deep heel cup to stabilise my ankle and stop my feet sliding forward in shoes plus it helps stretch out all those tight shortened tendons/ligaments in the foot/back f my heel/calves.

[@annmariezarzecki5787]

You two are awesome! ❤️

[@marlenebtagelman2451]

I used the hard custom fit orthotics for hiking and backpacking while carrying heavy backpacks. They worked well for that.

[@acninee]

Honestly, I've been wearing a rigid custom orthotic for about a year. I have less knee pain, my balance is better, I don't trip while walking on flat surfaces any more. I have less hip pain and less back pain. I no longer get arthritic pain across the instep or heel pain. My feet feel as good at bedtime as they do when I get up, instead of feeling tired and like I've been walking on the stumps of my ankles. I don't know why, but they are right for me. I had tried every good prefab orthotic available and they either did nothing or made things worse. I might just be that I have a great doctor, but I expect to wear custom orthotics for the rest of my life. I did have a break in period. My right ankle had some mild to moderate pain for the first few months. But that ankle had been severely sprained a couple of times when I was in my 20s and I suspect I had developed some bad walking habits as a result and the discomfort was a matter of retraining the muscles around the ankle. Sadly, insurance companies don't like to pay for custom orthotics and mine set me back about $450. Perhaps conventional wisdom needs to consider that while the commercially available orthotics may be absolutely wonderful for most of us, there are indeed some of us for whom a custom orthotic does make all the difference.

[@labamba4799]

Mary Anderson Dearing Papp Po Pooollłlllllllllllllll L..

[@timyatcak3292]

because in limiting your joints to as close as their midrange of motion, you are returning to as close to ideal anatomical arrangements (in both open and closed kinetic change motion) down the entire extremity

[@robinlillian9471]

Honestly, I wore the custom orthotics the doctor made me for years, and they gradually turned me into a cripple before I realized that that asshole did to me and discarded them. It took y ears to recover, and I'm still not the same.

[@garybrown9719]

I wore some aggressive custom supports for 5 years never got used to them Then went to a good ft dr. got some custom supports. The dr. Gave me some arch raising exercises. Raising my arches and then standing on my toes fix my falling of arch. All thanks to a great foot doc

[@missmayflower]

I got custom made supports for over $300. They were hard as rocks and hurt my tender feet. Never wore them.

[@thxylivx]

missmayflower did you tell your doctor though? Or did you just not tell them anything and took the orthotics out?

[@Foomanlol]

missmayflower, I have some rigid ones and my doc said it takes time for the body to adjust to them but ones I did they felt much better. Unfortunate, they don't always fit well in all shoes.

[@JapLawton]

Mine too! And made it worse.. + they slip around

[@martaavila9601]

I had custom made ones too 300$ they had instructions on how to break them in, They were hard at the beginning but they got better after two to three weeks, now its been over two years and I wear them every day and they fixed my plantar facia pain!

[@GreenAssets]

In Pakistan I have it for 3 dollars

[@Mexicano1768]

I love Dr. Bert & Dr. Ernie!! 😂❤

[@josephinethornton3823]

I have Ehlers Danlos and my feet have slowly "gotten bigger"- the bones have just kept dropping and they've grown increasingly flat and regardless, my ankles ALWAYS turned in. It's hereditary and I noticed my child has the same issues and it's blatantly obvious since he was five. I swear by WalkFit inserts. They are harder plastic but BECAUSE they are harder my ankles can't turn in! It holds my heels in place. I can smash any padded inserts flat. SOLID HARD PLASTIC is exactly what I need to get my arches supported and to keep my ankles from rolling in. A decade ago they brought my size ten feet back to a size nine! Now, at 45, arthritis is a serious issue so I tend to buy size ten so nothing pinches because it's agonizing. But WalkFits have been an absolute godsend. I have a box FULL of so many inserts and none work remotely as well as WalkFits. I get them for twenty bucks at Target.

[@blackeneddove]

Josephine Thornton thank you so much for this. I have the very same problem and I was actually at the podiatrist a few days ago about custom orthotics. Apparently my insurance doesn’t cover them, and I can’t afford to keep buying the other ones they sell in office at $55 every 3 months because I seem to flatten them so quickly. 😞 I was at a loss for what to do for my arches and my ankles. I will look for the WalkFits that you mentioned. Thank you so much!

[@dlynnrochelle5253]

I am a long time suffer of having flat feet and all of the pains that come with it. What I have noticed as I’ve gotten older is that my whole knee and hip rotate inward which causes my back to sway. I basically end up standing lock need and sway back. Not attractive and what’s worse - I believe that being flat-footed has also caused a great deal of groin, hip flexor pain. Time to get some arch supports in every pair of shoes I have

[@SuccessforLifester]

I used a kind of kidney shape gel arch support off the shelf. It works for me.

[@sb-1]

Love your videos!! Can you guys talk more about patellofemoral syndrome and how to help it? Bobs comment was hard to hear. Thanks & keep up the great work!!

[@scottiemanners]

Flat footers! wear barefoot zero-drop shoes from companies like vivo barefoot, xero shoes, Altra etc...You rebuild your foot and leg muscles and arch naturally, once the initial pain is gone and you start to build in a positive direction you are good!

[@laurendavis9777]

Scottie Manners but how?

[@definitelynotnoreen]

I have flat feet but I have never experienced those pain they are talking about on the internet..I was badminton player since I was in 3rd grade. With all those drill we've been doing for training. or maybe I have felt it some time in my childhood

[@infreezydark]

Ahahahah THE INTRO THOOOOOOOOO please make it a meme pleaseeeee am dying for this, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH

[@J.L.Nelson]

I think Bob just enjoys drawing on Brad.😆 I've watch quit a few of your videos and you've got a new subscriber. You explained better than the doctor on what happens to the fascia when you put weight on it first thing in the morning if you don't do the exercises. I have such painful plantar fasciitis and your exercises definitely have helped. Thank you!

[@chrissyjoy08]

I have zero arch when weight-bearing. Numerous different types of generic off-the-shelf inserts (specifically meant to help with arch support) did absolutely nothing to help. I also tried standing on the Dr Scholl's machine that tells you what kind of support you need, then I got the right ones... they helped a bit but wore out and stopped helping way too fast. After that I saw a foot doctor and got inserts off their shelf but the orthotic lady (who's awesome) customized them, adding extra arch and heel support to what I needed. These were great and lasted longer, but I still had/ have some problems and they still wore out faster than they should. All this to say, over the years I've spent tons of money on off-the-shelf inserts, and all that money is WELL OVER what a fully custom-made orthotic would cost (and those last tons longer). I would've been so much better off just going for custom made a long time ago.

[@petrolpancakes2946]

chrissyjoy08 Here in Chicago there are companies that rebuild orthotics. For a fraction of the cost of new ones, they rebuild (new foam or cork) and recover your old ones. Turnaround time is only 5 days.

[@daleencoetzee7880]

I had my insoles custom made on a biokineticist recommendation, because I got anterior shin splints after I started jogging again. Later on I was diagnosed with the Spinal Stenosis which developed due to trauma on the back. I found that these insoles really helped with the stenosis pain as well - 2 times a year, for about 4-5 weeks I have to walk for 3.5 -7 hours a day when I am invigilating and the pain is just unbearable without the insoles. They really do make a huge difference.

[@THESM1THS]

There is no big lie. Try "off the shelf" first. If they help that's great. If they don't help then try customised. Not all feet are the same ... nor are the people connected to those feet.

[@cristianestrada5381]

Your feet are special!! Awwww so precious

[@Anon.G]

Exercise and foot strengthening should come first.

[@JC-ko1bp]

people with a natural flat foot will have huge problems with arches. they foot is naturally flat and the alignment of the whole leg fits this. articifically raise the arch with a support and you throw everything out of alignment and cause issues. i have horrific knee pain when i wear shoes with an arch

[@gristlevonraben]

My feet are super flat. I was born with twisted feet that my mom and dad had to daily rub and form my bones. Arch supports, even slight ones, cause enormous pain. But cool video, very funny too!

[@margaretbrunston6842]

Gristle Von Raben I have a leaning ankle with sever flat feet and it hurts so bad. What do you suggest? My doctor won’t do surgery because I’m diabetic. I’m hopeless 😩

[@paulagabay9915]

I appreciate your video I am having an ordeal with my Podiatrist first sending me for an AFO brace which I didn't get because it felt awful then they decided to put a brace in my custom made orthotics because of my Arthritic toe. I told them I didn't like the brace fast forward several weeks later I came in an explained what I told them in the first place about the brace now 3 weeks later I get the new refurbished arch supports that my husband picked up had trouble putting them in the shoes and am not as comfortable as the over the counter arch supports that they sold me at the New Balance Store. I called the office manager and told her I want my $350 back these supports aren't comfortable and are hard to get into the shoes and she said I have only 28 days while they are under warranty to have them remade and need another appt and another $50 copay. I told her they were already made 2 times and I can get arch supports for the price of the $50 copay at the New Balance store. She said she needs to follow rules no refunds so she will talk to the doctor and explain my situation. As you said we don't have $350 extra dollars to waste.

[@BastaLang]

Thank you for your info. I took my two kids ages 6 and 11 to the podiatrist. Apparently, they're flat-footed. The podiatrist said they needed orthotics. She charged $1200 for both. I opted not to get them. My physio is against orthotics. He said they just need exercises.

[@davidke1802]

I suffered with a fallen arch on one foot. The pain is indescribable especially when you have to be on your feet all day. I was in tears , such was the pain. I finally invested in a podiatrist approved shoe for work along with custom insoles. My podiatrist gave me the option of off the shelf insoles. But on the offchance it would not work for me i was not willing to take the risk. Happy to say for the first time in nearly a year im pain free. Worth every dollar.

[@vyshious]

I have differently flat feet (both very low arches, but left foot is way worse) and custom orthotics helped a great deal for me. The previous pair I had as a teenager were awful and painful, so I went without anything for years until I got pretty bad ankle pain. I saw another podiatrist recently who made great ones that I was happy to walk and exercise in immediately (also rigid). Definitely working on strengthening my arches as well now!

[@bhavinprajapati9750]

Awesome sir .... Simple and effective...

[@exvan3571]

Great vid, I've shared with family members. Plug: Tread Labs is where it's at. Figure out which one fits, then buy returns at a discount

[@sue5061]

Thanks for the video, is making us think as we were going to go to "the Good Feet Store" but now I am not so sure. who would we go to to get some advice?

[@mariviento]

Thank you for your demonstration and information. Have you looked into Birkenstock Blue insoles? I have found these to give me the relief that I need.

[@vikingraider712]

I had no arches did calf raises now I have perfect arches on both feet helped me a lot but I still have Overpronation giving me a lot of tendon pain

[@jd3521]

please provide link or name of the product!