how do you cope with flat feet in the military.?

First, thank you for serving our country. We're a former military family and I know what a sacrifice you're making.

Have you gone to a podatrist (foot doctor)?

Some ideas

Custom-designed arch supports. Commonly called foot orthotics, these are interchangeable among your shoes and may provide more support because they're molded to the contours of your feet. Orthotics come in three types: rigid, semirigid and soft. The type that's right for you depends on what kind of support your doctor is trying to provide to your feet.

Wedge, in addition to an orthotic. If you have tendinitis of the posterior tibial tendon, you may need to insert a wedge along the inside edge of the orthotic to take some of the load off the tendon tissue.

Additional foot support. Your doctor also may advise that you wear an ankle brace or a walking boot for a time until the tendon inflammation subsides.

You really need a foot doctor to help you with this....of course, rest, ice and anti-inflammatories... but they only go so far. Good luck to you!

Keep going to medical. If you can't perform your duties, you'll have to be discharged. For more information, feel free to e-mail me.

Edit: if you have flat feet, I definitely would not recommend any type of arch support. This will make your pain, much, much worse. My husband has flat feet, so I know this from personal experience. Arches push your feet into a shape that is not normal to them, strain the muscles and tendons, and cause pain. Go see a podiatrist to see if they can help, but go to medical when you're having pain.

there is a great webiste i can direct you to for information and care of flat feet and a good set of inserts you can order on line that should help you out. the site is myfootshop.com. check it out. use the source as a direct link to site.

You will have to get insoles.

Surprised no one told you this.