FLAT FEET

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the medial arch of the foot collapses and the entire sole comes closer to the ground. This can cause symptoms such as arch pain, heel pain, ankle fatigue, or overpronation during walking. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop adult‑acquired flatfoot over time due to ligament strain, muscle imbalance, or repetitive stress. A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent or worsening symptoms.

How Foot Biomechanics Cause Flat Feet

Healthy arches rely on a coordinated system of bones, ligaments, and muscles. When these structures weaken, the arch begins to drop.

Common biomechanical factors include:

• Excessive pronation — the foot rolls inward too far, stretching the arch.

• Elongation of the foot — as the arch collapses, the foot becomes longer and less stable.

• Ligament laxity — overstretched ligaments can no longer support the arch.

• Muscle imbalance — stabilizing muscles fatigue, while compensating muscles tighten.

• Forefoot splay — the front of the foot widens, altering weight distribution.

Over time, these forces reinforce the flattened position and can contribute to secondary issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or knee pain.

Why MASS Posture Orthotics Help

MASS (Maximum Arch Supination Stabilization) posture orthotics are designed to restore the foot closer to its optimal functional position rather than supporting it in a collapsed state.

Benefits include:

• Full‑contact arch support that prevents the foot from elongating under load.

• Improved foot posture, reducing excessive pronation and restoring natural alignment.

• Dynamic flexibility, allowing the orthotic to move with the foot while guiding it toward healthier biomechanics.

• Reduced strain on the plantar fascia, ankles, and knees, addressing the root cause of flat feet symptoms.

By improving how the foot loads and moves, MASS posture orthotics help correct the underlying biomechanical issues that contribute to fallen arches.

Importance of Custom Calibration

Every flat foot is different. Arch height, flexibility, ligament strength, and forefoot mobility vary from person to person.
Custom calibration ensures the orthotic matches the individual’s biomechanics:

• Flexible feet need a different stiffness profile to prevent over‑collapse.

• Rigid feet require a different calibration to avoid pressure overload.

• Forefoot flexibility (Gibb test) helps determine the ideal corrective force.

• Variable arch mechanics influence how much support the orthotic should provide.

Proper calibration allows the orthotic to work with the foot’s natural motion while still guiding it toward healthier alignment.

What Patients Often Notice

Many patients with flat feet report:

• Better stability and balance

• Less inward rolling (overpronation)

• Reduced arch or heel pain

• Less fatigue in the feet, ankles, and legs

• Improved comfort in shoes

• A more efficient, natural gait

These improvements come from restoring proper foot posture—not just cushioning the symptoms.

Long‑Term Foot Health Considerations

Flat feet can progress over time if the arch continues to collapse. Long‑term considerations include:

• Increased risk of plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and tendon strain

• Greater stress on knees, hips, and lower back

• Reduced shock absorption

• Loss of mobility if the arch becomes rigid

• Potential need for surgical intervention in severe cases

Supporting the arch early—especially with calibrated MASS posture orthotics—helps maintain healthier biomechanics and reduces the risk of long‑term complications.