While the majority of people with flat feet are not negatively affected by it, many experience aches, pains and other problems. It can be the cause of walking difficulties, and soreness anywhere in the legs, feet, and even back. Drugs can bring some relief from the pain, but the underlying condition remains, while surgery is obviously a very serious undertaking - and so, some use arch supports for flat feet.

Many different problems are common among the flat-footed, and while many insoles and arch (or instep) supports are available over the counter, advice from a qualified professional will help avoid wasting money on equipment that could make your condition worse. Some relevant professionals are of course, medical doctors, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and orthotists (orthotists being the ones who make insoles and the like, which are called "orthotics").

What usually happens as a result of this condition is that as the inside edge of each foot falls toward the floor, effectively "flattening" the instep, the ankles bend in the way. The joints through the heel are no longer correctly aligned, which can cause damage and pain through the whole leg and hips, and even the back. An arch support can physically halt this "rolling inwards", maintaining the correct, neutral position.

The term "flat feet" can actually describe a number of different circumstances, which further emphasizes the need for a professional opinion. For example, the appearance of the problem in the young, as opposed to in adults, can be for quite different reasons, while in both adults or the young there can be various underlying causes.

In the very young, baby fat obscuring the instep of the foot can make it look flatter, which is not actually a problem, or harmful. As the child gets older and the fat fades away, the expected structure and shape usually becomes visible. To allow for this tendency in the young, simply being observant of how the child walks, and looking for signs of difficulties, is usually the best way to proceed.

In adults, often a foot can appear to flatten due to the stresses of aging, including putting a lot of stress on the feet, being overweight, or even just normal wear. While many cases involve the foot rolling inwards, in some cases the bones themselves will start to collapse, which is more serious.

Whether flat-footed or otherwise, many people feel a benefit from using arch support insoles, which can help in various ways. Firstly, preserving the position of the foot by supporting the arch can stop the chain reaction of aches and pains that can occur through the foot, legs and back. Different preferences are catered for by a range of different products - stiffer insoles provide firmer support, while many prefer more cushioned insoles, which help maintain foot position more gently. People who have had a poor gait for a while are often in considerable pain, and will appreciate the extra cushioning.

In summary, arch supporting insoles can help many who suffer with a range of flat foot-related symptoms. With professional supervision, they can represent a low-cost solution, without the intrusiveness of surgery or the need for drugs, while the extra cushioning can in many cases provide dramatic and instant relief, making arch supports for flat feet an excellent first choice.