How can a person avoid getting flat feet?

This isn't something I'm very knowledgeable about, but I did see a podiatrist a few years ago in order to get clearance to dance en pointe, and she said the best way to strengthen your arches is to run or walk barefoot on the sand. The slightly uneven surface will gently stretch and exercise your feet and help to keep your arches high. If you aren't near a beach, you could try just walking barefoot on the grass but it won't be quite as effective. Picking up things from the floor with your toes will also tone your feet. I will usually drop a bag of rubber bands on the floor and then pick them up with my toes. Also work your feet out by standing on your toes for ten seconds or so in multiple repetitions, and by scrunching up a dish towel under your toes. Put the towel on the floor and then sit down and scrunch it up and hold it for five seconds, then release and do it again.

Another dancer's trick that might also be beneficial to you is to roll your foot over a tennis ball. I do this after an intense dance session to soothe my feet, sort of like the way you cool down after working out by do mild stretches, and it also tones the arches.

You can get arch supports specially made for your feet from a podiatrist or just a general shoe insert from the pharmacy / chemist. From what I understand, in some people flat feet is simply caused by genetics and there isn't much they can do to actually prevent them, and for others excessive weight will cause the arches to gradually collapse. If you're overweight try to slim down to decrease your chances of having the arches fall.

There's probably articles about this online that would provide more helpful information than what I could give in this answer.

~ Peace : )

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

How can a person avoid getting flat feet?

Are there any exercises you can do to improve the arches in your feet

I go barefoot for me, because I like the way I look and the way I feel. Yes, my feet do sometimes get dirty, but so do people's shoes. I wash my feet every day. I would be that other's can't say the same for their shoes. If I feel like crossing my legs, I will. If my feet are dirty, then so be it. I go barefoot by choice, and other's need to mind their own business. Barefoot Tex

Maintaining a healthy weight and well supported shoes is the best prevention for flat feet...

In the UK we have dr Scholls from chemists who have many appliances to cure foot faults including arches to cure the flat feet you asked about. I think that they are world wide. Or alternately on line fo mail order.

Lose weight by doing cardiovascular exercises (running, jump rope, etc) and body weight exercises (pushups, situps, pullups, etc)

To improve arches i think get shoes with good arch support so your feet somewhat conform as you workout, best known shoes are New Balance and Sketchers.

You can do barefoot exercises. They work the small muscles in your feet and tighten them.

You could do barefoot jogging for a mile or so at most on grass. You can do squats and other exercises without shoes and walk around at home or wherever you can barefoot.