Got Flat Feet? You’re in luck. DocJen & Dr. Dom unravel the misconceptions surrounding flat feet. Firstly, they explain the importance of focusing on function, rather than structure with more and more research, science is shifting away from scans, structure, and alignment indicating pain, injury, or dysfunction. They describe the different types of flat feet, their prevalence, and which of the diagnosis tends to be more commonly associated with symptoms. Briefly, DocJen & Dr. Dom discusses potential factors that could increase the risk of having symptoms associated with flat feet, and how the body may have adapted to foot positioning up the chain to accommodate flat feet as a consequence of the modern-day shoe. They provide their best tips to address your flat feet for optimal function, which includes more time spent barefoot and exercises to increase arch and foot awareness. Let’s dive in to find what’s optimal for your flat feet!

Vivobarefoot Shoe Discount:

It’s summer! As DocJen & Dr. Dom embarks on new adventures, traveling all around the US, they find themselves on a spontaneous hike more often than not. VivoBaefoot’s Tracker Forest esc has an extra grippy bottom and protects your feet against the rocky and varying terrains of nature, yet allows your feet to breathe and maneuver with ease. Get 15% off using code ‘TOB’ at checkout.

What You Will Learn In This PT Pearl:

3:05 –What does having a flat foot mean?

7:23 – Flat Feet & Walking

8:20 – Compensatory Patterns

9:28 – Prevalence of different flat feet diagnosis

11:23 – Risk factors associated with symptomatic flat feet

12:58 – Signs & Symptoms

15:10 – Noticing tendencies within the body

15:40 – Shoes.

18:32  – Exercises to increase arch awareness

22:15  – Research and a PTs Role

23:23  – How VivoBarefoot shoes can help flat feet

To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/

For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/122

Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!