Sandals and Flat feet? Is there a link?
According to a study out of India that surveyed 2300 children there is no correlation between sandals or bare feet and flat feet. On the contrary sandals and bare feet actually prevent flat feet or fallen arch, by making the intrinsic muscles of the foot work, thus strengthening the arch indirectly. Closed toed shoes can be attributed to the weakening of these muscles and predisposes a person to flat feet.
Flat feet are common in infants and toddlers. As the child grows the arch is developed and by adulthood people have developed normal arches.
Your doctor may suggest these or other treatments and adjustments, depending on your condition:
Custom-designed arch supports
Rest
Medications
Weight loss
Wedge in addition to an orthotic
Additional foot support
Surgery in severe cases
Most flat feet do not cause pain and do not need to be addressed.
Reference:
THE JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY VOL, 74-B. No. 4 JULY 1992
WIKIPEDIA: FLAT FEET
www.nlm.nih/medlineplus/ency/article/001262.htm
For more information search: Pes Planus