Please...I need help with flat feet fast....?

Question

I've recently been accepted to work as a correctional officer. There is only one small problem, I have to pass a timed run of a mile and a half in 17 min. and 30 sec. This might seem easy however, I have very flat feet. Running and even long walks cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. I've tried diffrent insoles and arch supports in the past but it always seems to make my feet hurt worse. Has anyone found any products that have really worked miracles for your flat feet? This is a job oppurtunity that I really need and will double my current income. I haven't really ran in a few years because of the pain. Am I doomed or can someone show me the light?

Answer 1

Have you tried wrapping your feet instead of insoles. Insole take up room, move around, and have edges. All of those thing can add up to major discomfort. Especially if you're running. I'd try for wrapping, or some kind of elastic brace. Both can be pretty thin and they don't move around. Wrap them tight enough to allow flexibility but bring the foot back to its original position. It should not be so tight that you cannot feel your toes, or note any skin color change past the bandage.

If I were you, I'd also have a mental chat with myself about 'enduring' the run. You've got to talk yourself into getting through it... even if it hurts. Some people can walk a mile in 15 minutes. You may be able to walk portions, or jog at a more relaxed pace. You're feet may hurt, but if you're young and healthy (which you probably are since this is the only part of your physical you're worried about), you'll recover.

Make sure you have some Epsom salts available after your run. You can find it in any drug store, or at Wal-Mart. Mix it with hot water and soak your feet in it. It'll make a big difference in how soon they stop hurting.

Good luck in your new job!

Answer 2

Orthotic treatment may be able to reposition a mobile flat foot and hold it in a corrected position. The effect is only present when the orthotic is worn in the shoe and ceases if it is not worn. Whatever the cause of the flat foot the techniques used will be essentially the same. These are to resupport the arch with a rigid plastic arch, and to reposition the heel by placing a "wedge" under its inner side to tilt it and a heel cup to hold it. Whether orthotic treatment prevents the progression of a deformity is not definitively known, but from basic principles there is no reason why it should not.In the flexible flat foot orthotics are usually the recommended first line of treatment. In a rigid and arthritic flat foot orthotics cannot correct the foot position but they may be able to improve symptoms. A flat foot due to Tibialis posterior dysfunction which an orthotic has failed to treat and the rigid and painful adult flat foot are usually corrected by surgery.
In cases where detailed medical advice is required, you would be advised to consult an orthopaedic specialist
I add a link that discusses this subject –

http://www.dentalplans.com
/articles/Guideline%20
Published%20To%20Treat/

Hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 3

Your teacher was wrong. Your body was meant to run barefoot, but the ideal natural landing for any distance longer than a sprint is on the ball of your foot. When you're sprinting, you should land on your toes. Landing is these areas will make you a faster, more efficient, and less injury prone runner.

Answer 4

i am a dancer with flat feet, and i wear orthotics, the soft ones that are as long as your foot. they used to hurt me, but i've gotten ued to them - i just dont wear them 24/7. they work for me - i got them moulded to fit my foot.

also, i know this may seem weird, but see if you can get shoes with high arches built into them- my dance sneakers naturally have high arches and they really support my foot.

another tip - go to a podiatrist and ask them about feet exercises to strengthen your feet/arches.
hope this helps

Answer 5

The only cure I know of for flat feet is a foot pump.