If you’re on your feet all day and the ache never quite goes away whether in your arch, your heel, or creeping up into your knees and lower back — flat feet are often the reason. At Braceman P&O, we’ve been treating flat feet in Chicago patients for over 25 years, starting with a real biomechanical assessment, not a guess.
Custom orthotics are the most common and effective treatment. A functional orthotic with medial posting supports the arch and corrects the inward roll at the source — taking pressure off the joints above. → Gait analysis comes first. We watch you walk, barefoot and in your regular shoes, to see exactly how your foot behaves under load. This determines the type of correction your orthotic needs. Footwear guidance. Some shoes make flat feet worse — flexible, unsupportive shoes let the arch collapse further. We'll tell you what to look for and what to avoid. Bracing for severe cases. If the flat foot is rigid, painful, or linked to tendon dysfunction, an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may be recommended alongside or instead of an insole-style orthotic.
Flat feet happen when the arch collapses and the foot rolls inward with every step — a pattern called overpronation. Some people are born with low arches. Others develop flat feet over time from weight gain, pregnancy, aging, injury, or conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Whatever the cause, the mechanical result is the same: the foot doesn't absorb shock the way it should, and the strain travels upward through the ankle, knee, hip, and lower back.
Our custom orthotics in Chicago are specifically designed to treat flat feet by providing personalized arch support, improving foot alignment, and reducing overpronation. They also help relieve associated conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, arch pain, knee and joint discomfort, while supporting diabetic foot care and post-surgery recovery.
Have questions? Looking for the right custom orthotics treatment in Chicago? Below are answers to common questions about custom insoles, arch support, fittings, insurance coverage, and how our expert team can help you find the ideal solution for foot pain, alignment, and all-day comfort.
The arch structure itself usually can’t be permanently changed in adults, but custom orthotics control the mechanics causing pain and prevent the problem from getting worse.
No. Many people have flat feet with no pain and need no treatment. Treatment becomes worthwhile once pain, swelling, or joint problems show up.
We work with multiple insurance providers to make your treatment as accessible as possible. Our team will help verify your coverage and guide you through the process.
Most patients wear them long-term for daily activity, similar to wearing glasses. Some only need them during high-impact activity once symptoms improve.
Most patients notice improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent wear, after a short break-in period.