Flat feet - need help/advise

Body: 

I have flat feet where 90% of my weight rests in my heels. My feet are also twisted so instead of my heel looking like an oval or O, it is slanted. Kind of like this \___) (___/ where the outer edge is severely turned out. How thusly would I stand to properly fix my posture & improve my prolapse?

You must pay attention to how your weight is distributed over your feet. Imagine there is triangle on the sole of your foot - a point below your big toe, below your little toe, and in the center of your heel. When you walk think about distributing your weight evenly between these three points. Try not to bend your ankles out. The knees should be directly over your ankles and your ankles over your feet. I don't know how much you will be able to correct this by your own will, but I think it will be significantly. I used to walk with my feet pointing way out like a duck - you can change!

Thanks so much for you’re response. So far, you’re the only one to reply but as long as I can get some help, I have no complaints! :D

As you mentioned, this is not something that is easy to do, to change a deep rooted habit of over 20+ years. I was planning on getting foot insoles from I assume a piadiatrist so when I walk for miles, my arches/feet won’t be in pure pain – as they are with these cheap shoes w/ absolutely NO arch support. Surely insoles that correct the shape of my foot should allow me to properly stand and walk don't you think?

I still am trying to visual and actually do this “stick your belly out but not poke it out” thing. Is there any particular feeling I should have – especially being that my million pound gut sticks out constantly w/out any amount of effort :O Should it feel like I’m doing crunches standing? Holding my pee or sucking my gut in to look smaller type of feel?

If you can guide me to any type of feeling to look for, I will be grateful.

Thanks,
Ms. Cutie

!It takes only 1 to start a movement & change the world! :D

Yes, you need to provide your feet good arch support. It seems amazing that even flat sandals take away our foot’s ability to function well, but that’s the truth of it. The only shoes that would be really healthy are soft moccasins, but each of us must make the best decisions we can about shoes. Go barefoot and do lots of toe raises, points, and flexes to begin to strengthen and make more flexible your arches. A reflexologist may be of help to you.

About pulling yourself into the posture…let your belly be for the most part, but think of pulling it up (not in) just slightly by the last set of ribs. If your shoulders are kept down (not back), your upper back flat and broad, your neck elongated, the crown of your head pulled up by slightly tucking your chin, and your feet pointing straight ahead when you walk, the rest will fall into place. Many different types of traditional dance help to exercise and extend the lumbar spine.

Hope this helps,

:-) Christine

it sounds like from what you are describing that you have what is called calcaneal valgus (don't worry...it sounds bad but it's not :)!) as a physical therapist, if a person that i'm working with has this, then i almost always recommend custom orthoses (shoe inserts), as the pronation in your foot is such that regular off the shelf orthoses or shoes with regular arch support do not offer enough support.

unfortunately, most health insurances do not cover custom orthoses (why they don't is beyond me...it could keep a lot of orthopedic problems at bay). so they can be quite pricey but if you take good care of them and are not training for a marathon with them they can last for quite a while.