At Which Level of Severity of Flat Feet Do You Need Orthotics?
Flat feet can usually be treated with a pair of custom orthotics, but at what level of severity do you need to get the problem treated? Read this to find out.


Updated February 17, 2023.
Having flat feet could lead to a number of other conditions, such as shin splints, overpronation, and lower back pain, among many others. A large number of possible secondary conditions make it difficult to discern what exact level of severity of flat feet needs to be treated. Still, there are some things you should keep in mind when deciding if you need orthotics for flat feet or not.
Do You Have Flat Feet?
You can perform a simple test to determine if you have flat feet by making a neutral standing footprint with water. A normal footprint should have the heel and ball connected by a trail about half as wide. Anything thicker, and you have some degree of flat feet.
Are You Experiencing Any Discomfort?
This question doesn't just relate to pain in your foot. If you have any discomfort or pain throughout your body, it could be as a result of flat feet. If you have any pain or discomfort and self-examination reveals that you have flat feet, you should get the problem treated as soon as possible as the condition could worsen.
Should You Get Orthotics?
Realistically, only a podiatrist can answer this question. However, if you perform the flat foot test and have any kind of overpronation or flat foot, it could lead to a number of other conditions, and so it's best to get the problem treated as soon as you can.
Related Articles

Can Orthotic Insoles Treat Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?
Babafemi Adebajo
January 25, 2024

Best Running Insoles for Flat Feet to Increase Comfort
Janik Sundstrom
October 8, 2024

How to Identify the Unmissable Signs Your Sciatica Is Healing
Babafemi Adebajo
February 1, 2024

FSA Eligible: Buy Custom Orthotics With Your FSA Funds
Babafemi Adebajo
December 9, 2024

Best Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Janik Sundstrom
December 17, 2024
Related Posts
Babafemi Adebajo
6 of the Best Insoles for Weightlifting With Flat Feet
Staff Writer
Benefits of Cycling Orthotics
Babafemi Adebajo
Different Types of Flat Feet and Their Symptoms
Babafemi Adebajo
Collapsed Arches vs. Flat Feet: How to Tell the Difference
Babafemi Adebajo