i got a job earlier last month as one of the free sample guys you see at costco, so i’m on my feet for about 6+ hours a day just standing in one spot. they give us mats to stand on too, which i’m trying to use more, but i’m a little flat-footed and they haven’t helped as much as i’d like. my ankles are absolutely killing me now that im on my third week of work to where i’m limping a little after a shift, (cus i unconsciously put more weight on my left foot) and i feel like i can only take so much ibuprofen, yknow??
Hi there, I actually work in orthotics and prosthetics and handle the majority of my clinics foot and ankle patients.
So, from what you’ve described I’m guessing you are having medial ankle pain from overstressing your posterior tibial tendon. It’s very common for people who have flat feet and are increasing their activity levels.
The first thing I would recommend is a good shoe, which is not an easy ask now a days. Shoe companies found out that if you make a super flexible and soft soled shoe it feels great as soon as you put it on in the store which gets people to buy them. However, the flexible sole and soft foam will allow people with fallen arches to over-pronate even more, eventually stressing out the hind foot.
The soft soled shoes will feel great for the first hour or so, and then they will start to overstress your tendon and ligaments. Where as a good quality show with a nice stiff sole can take a week or so to break in until they get really comfortable, but support you all day.
As far as a good show, I’m not particular towards any brand as long as it’s stuff from the balls of the feet back. But a decent shoe to control overpronation is the adrenaline from brooks. I always suggest looking up last year’s model online for savings.
For a good OTC insert for pes planus I usually fit my patients with this insert, they can be a bit pricey but they’ll last a lot longer than other OTC inserts and do a better job.
I’m not too particular with OTC inserts either. Just be sure that the material in the arch is strong enough to support your weight without being so stiff that it feels like your stepping on a rock.