You have tried orthotics or insoles for your flat feet but none have been effective in treating the pain. You live in constant pain from walking all day. The next obvious step is to wear a brace or a splint. Is that a good idea? Yes, splints and braces can help flat feet. Especially flat feet caused by Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis. If you are a middle aged women or slightly obese and having arch pain, Posterior Tibial Tendonitis is the most likely cause of your discomfort and you may benefit from a brace or splint. A brace or splint may also help flat feet caused by other etiologies as well. The key to a good brace of splint for flat feet is to take stress and strain off the ligaments and tendons supporting the arch, specifically the Tibialis Posterior Tendon.
Can you wear orthotics while wearing your brace? Yes, but I would advised against it. The brace is going to be far more effective treating your flat feet. The orthotic will really add nothing to your treatment.
Is the brace a long term answer? In some people yes, you will be in the brace for years. However, if your cause is tendonitis eventually it will rescind and you will be able to get out of the brace.
Do I sleep with the brace on? It does not make a difference because the brace really only works when you ambulate on it. So sleeping with it will give you no added benefit.
Are braces or splints covered by insurance? In most cases, yes. See a Podiatrist and they should be able to dispense you one. If not you can purchase them from Amazon or Ebay as seen below for a relative inexpensive price.
What are these braces? Below you will find what I believe are the best braces or splints for flat feet:
ASO Ankle Stabilzing Orthosis: This is by far the most common brace or splint used for flat feet. This brace has a low profile to fit into most sneakers or shoes. Elastic cuff and secure laces help fasten the brace to your foot and help support Tibialis Posterior Tendon. This brace was originally developed for the treatment of Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis and is the most common brace used today.
Shock Doctor Ultra Gel Lace Ankle Support– This brace is a little newer to the market. I would recommend this brace if you play a sport or run a lot. This brace provides a great deal of support but can be a pain to apply. The brace provides a great deal of compression to the foot and ankle, so if you suffer from swelling do to your flat feet, this would be a good option as well.
McDavid Ankle with strap– This brace is very similar to the ASO above with the differences between the two being negligible. This brace actually has a sewn in arch support, which I think elevates it above the ASO for the treatment of flat feet.