3 Myths About Treating Flat Feet

(And What You Should Do Instead) 

If the entire sole of your foot touches the floor when you stand, you have Flat Feet (also referred to as Fallen Arches).

For some, it is a painless, lifelong trait. But for millions of others, a collapsed arch is the hidden “domino” that triggers chronic fatigue, severe heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis), and serious lower back pain. Because flat feet are so common, bad advice is everywhere. Lionel G. Hausman separates fact from fiction below.

Myth 1: “Walking barefoot indoors will strengthen my arches.”

The Truth: While barefoot walking on soft, natural surfaces (like grass or sand) can activate intrinsic foot muscles, walking barefoot in your house is a biomechanical disaster. 

• The human foot was not designed to walk 10,000 steps a day on rigid, unforgiving hardwood or tile floors.
• Going barefoot indoors forces the fat pads on your heels to flatten and your plantar fascia to stretch to its breaking point. 
• If you have flat feet, you must wear a supportive “house shoe” or recovery slide indoors.

Myth 2: “Kids will eventually just ‘grow out’ of flat feet.”

The Truth: While babies have fat pads that hide their developing arches, a child should show a defined arch by age 5 or 6. 

• If your 7-year-old constantly complains of “tired legs,” asks to be carried, or trips often because their ankles roll inward, they have Pathological Flatfoot. 
• “Wait and see” is a dangerous game that often locks in poor gait habits, leading to severe knee strain and shin splints in their teenage years.
• We use pediatric orthotics to guide their bones as they grow.

Myth 3: “A $20 gel insert from the pharmacy is all I need.”

The Truth: Store-bought inserts cushion. If your arch is collapsing, you need correction. 

• A soft gel pad acts like a squishy pillow. It feels nice for a week, but it does not physically stop the bones of your foot from rolling inward (overpronation).

The Fact-Based Fix

To fix a structural collapse, you need a structural scaffold. And to achieve that goal, we prescribe Custom Orthotics. 

Using advanced 3D scanning, we build a medical device that holds your foot in its optimal, neutral alignment. By stopping the inward roll at the ankle, we instantly relieve the twisting torque on your knees, hips, and lower back.

If you have a foot or ankle condition or injury, you’ll want to visit Gramercy Park for an appointment with Board Certified Podiatrist Lionel G. Hausman, DPM. Whether it’s an ingrown toenail, heel pain, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, Dr. Hausman can expertly treat numerous foot and ankle conditions. If you’re in need of help, get in touch with us today!