Flat Feet

Lower leg muscles can gradually adapt and strengthen to hold an arch without external support. Flat feet eliminate the arch that distributes body weight efficiently, redistributing mechanical stress upward and misaligning ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Flat feet may originate from nutritional deficiencies present at birth, such as manganese or vitamin D deficiency. Flat feet are likely connected to early-life vitamin D deficiency, which impairs bone and muscle development. Barefoot shoes with a flat, zero-drop sole progressively strengthen intrinsic foot muscles and restore functional arch support. Flat feet can persist or worsen over time when conventional orthotics are used. Orthotic arch supports treat the symptom of flat feet but can worsen the underlying muscle weakness by preventing intrinsic foot muscles from developing. Early nutritional deficiencies can cause a weakened arch or bone malformation that persists into adulthood.