SR Therapies

 Foot Types

While it is an over simplification to say that all feet fall into one of three basic types, it is sometimes useful to think about feet in this way - for instance, when buying shoes or treating minor foot injuries.

Each foot type has its own special characteristics and its own vulnerability to certain kinds of injuries. The three basic foot types, based of the height of the arches, are

• 
  ⦁ high
  ⦁ normal or neutral
  ⦁ low or flat

High
People with high arches may have a history of repeated or severe ankle sprains. High arches tend to make the feet more rigid and less efficient at absorbing step impact. High arches also make it less likely that shoes can provide support, so flexible and cushioned footwear is usually more comfortable than stiff or firm footwear. 

Normal or Neutral
As mentioned above, normal arches fall somewhere between low and high arches. This is, of course, a subjective judgement . People with neutral arches tend to be the most efficient at absorbing impact and transferring weight from heel to toes during walking and running, though they can be vulnerable to some of the same injuries that those with low arches experience. A neutral foot is more versatile in terms of what kinds of shoes or insoles are comfortable.

Low or Flat
People with low arches have a history of arch pain, tendonitis, and, in severe cases, arthritis of the feet or knees. Yet some people with low arches have no foot problems at all. Flat feet are a severe form of low arches and are best evaluated and treated by a podiatrist or orthopedist. Symptoms of flat feet can be made worse by wearing shoes that lack support.

Reference: Great Feet For Life: Paul Langer, DPM