3 Different Types of Foot Arches
The arch of your foot plays a crucial role in supporting your body weight and absorbing shock with each step you take. It's important to understand the different types of arches and what they mean for your foot health. There are three types of arches: fallen arches, medium arches, and high arches. Understanding your arch type is essential when choosing the right footwear or orthotics to support your feet.
FALLEN ARCHES
Fallen arches, also known as flat feet, occur when the arches collapse, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. This can lead to overpronation, where the feet roll inward, causing pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and back. Overpronation can lead to a very common foot ailment called plantar fasciitis. If you have fallen arches, a pair of orthotics that provide stability and support, such as the L420 Compete Posted Orthotics, can help support your feet. These orthotics feature arch support and a posted heel to help correct overpronation and alleviate pain. You can also try our Plantar Fasciitis Kit to help fight plantar fasciitis.
MEDIUM ARCHES
Medium arches are the most common type of arch and provide a balance between flexibility and support. People with medium arches can usually wear a variety of shoes without experiencing foot pain. However, adding orthotics can provide additional cushioning and support, especially for those who are on their feet for extended periods. The L600 Casual Comfort Orthotics are a great option for people with medium arches as they provide cushioning and support for everyday use.
HIGH ARCHES
High arches occur when the arches are raised and do not touch the ground fully. The foot is raised higher than normal, which can cause increased pressure on the ball and heel of the foot. This causes feet to underpronate or supinate, which can cause discomfort, instability, and balance issues. If you have high arches, orthotics with metatarsal support can help distribute the pressure more evenly across the feet. The L2305 Premium Memory Foam Orthotics with Metatarsal Support provide targeted cushioning to help alleviate pain and provide comfort. These orthotics feature a layer of memory foam cushioning that immediately customizes to your feet to help absorb shock.
Understanding your arch type is essential when choosing the right footwear or orthotics to support your feet. Aetrex Orthotics offer a wide range of options for each type of arch to provide the necessary support and cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and healthy. To learn more about what kind of arch you have, use or store locator to find an Aetrex foot scanner near you.
