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Most people rarely think about the structure of their feet until discomfort, pain, or fatigue sets in. Whether you have high arches or flat feet, both conditions can affect your posture, balance, and overall mobility.

The truth is that there’s no such thing as a “perfect” foot. Every person’s foot structure is unique, and that means the kind of support your feet need should be unique, too.

At Atlantic Coast Prosthetics & Orthotics, we’ve helped countless patients find relief and regain confidence in every step they take. With over 27 years of experience creating custom orthotics and prosthetics in-house, our team understands the importance of proper support for both high arches and flat feet.

Understanding the Foot’s Foundation

Your feet contain 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments: all working together to support your body weight and absorb impact. The arch of your foot plays a crucial role in this system, acting as a natural shock absorber and stabilizer.

There are three basic arch types:

1. Normal Arches: The foot has a balanced shape with moderate flexibility and even weight distribution.
2. High Arches: The arch is raised higher than normal, causing more pressure on the ball and heel of the foot.
3. Flat Feet: The arch is very low or nonexistent, leading to the entire sole of the foot touching the ground.

While these are natural variations, both high arches and flat feet can lead to biomechanical issues that affect the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

The Challenges of High Arches

People with high arches often experience excessive pressure on the heel and forefoot because their arch doesn’t flex enough to absorb impact. This rigidity can make walking, running, or even standing for long periods uncomfortable.

Common symptoms include:

• Foot pain or fatigue after activity
• Calluses on the ball or heel of the foot
• Ankle instability or frequent sprains
• Pain in the knees or lower back due to poor alignment

High arches can also make finding supportive footwear difficult. Most off-the-shelf shoes don’t offer the right cushioning or contouring to accommodate this foot shape. Without custom support, these pressure points can lead to long-term issues like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or stress fractures.

The Challenges of Flat Feet

On the opposite end of the spectrum, flat feet lack the natural curve that helps distribute body weight evenly. This can cause the foot to roll inward, putting strain on the ankles, knees, and hips.

Common signs of flat feet include:

• Pain or swelling along the inner side of the ankle
• Foot fatigue during activity or standing
• Knee or hip pain due to misalignment
• Difficulty finding shoes that fit comfortably

Flat feet can develop from birth or appear later in life due to injury, obesity, or conditions like arthritis. Without proper support, the body compensates with inefficient movement patterns, often leading to chronic pain or joint stress.

Why Custom Orthotics Make All the Difference

While over-the-counter insoles may provide temporary relief, they’re designed for the “average” foot, and most feet aren’t average. Custom orthotics, crafted specifically for your foot shape and gait, provide the individualized support needed to restore natural alignment and comfort.

At ACPO, we take a comprehensive approach to orthotic care. Our practitioners:

• Conduct a detailed evaluation of your foot structure and biomechanics.
• Use advanced 3D scanning and precision fabrication to design a perfect fit.
• Create your orthotic devices in our in-house lab, ensuring quick turnaround times and easy adjustments.
• Educate you on proper wear, maintenance, and care to ensure lasting results.

Custom orthotics can:

• Improve overall balance and stability.
• Reduce pain and fatigue in the feet, knees, and lower back.
• Correct gait abnormalities and prevent future injury.
• Enhance athletic performance and endurance.

Whether you’re managing discomfort from high arches or flat feet, the right orthotic solution can make every step more efficient, supported, and pain-free.

Quality and Care, Every Step of the Way

At Atlantic Coast Prosthetics & Orthotics, quality craftsmanship and personal service are at the heart of everything we do. Because 99% of our devices are made in-house, we can deliver the highest standards of precision and care without long wait times or third-party delays.

Our certified practitioners work closely with you from start to finish, ensuring that your orthotic device not only fits comfortably but truly enhances your mobility and quality of life. And for patients unable to travel, our Atlantic at Home program brings professional orthotic care directly to your doorstep.

Whether you’re an athlete, someone recovering from injury, or simply tired of living with daily foot pain, our team can design a custom solution that supports your lifestyle and goals.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Your feet are your foundation, and they deserve the best support possible. If you’re struggling with the effects of flat feet or high arches, don’t settle for discomfort or generic shoe inserts. A custom orthotic can transform not just your stride, but your entire well-being.

At Atlantic Coat Prosthetics & Orthotics, we combine decades of experience, advanced technology, and compassionate care to help you move with confidence and comfort.

Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward better foot health.