Do you feel that your feet do not have a normal arch especially when you are standing? Or is it painful when you do any physical activity due to abnormal arch of your feet?
In case you are wondering, this condition in medical terminology is termed as fallen arches or pes planus. In other words, we also call it flat feet.
WHAT IS FLAT FEET?
Flat feet is a condition in which one’s foot or both feet have no arch or very little arch. The pads of feel like pressing in the ground while in standing position and arch raises off the ground very slightly since there is a gap under the inner part of the foot.
This condition alters body’s alignment when standing, walking or running.
It may lead to overpronation, a condition in which the person’s feet roll to the inner side while standing or walking. Also, the feet can point outwards.
However, it isn’t a matter of concern until it causes pain or other symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FLAT FEET?
Flat feet are a normal occurrence in children. Since it takes a little more time for tendons to tighten and making an arch and children generally tend to outgrow the condition by the age of 6 years. However, some of them fail to develop an arch even after all those years, bones fuse and hence the childhood condition persists. This condition occurs in almost 2 out of 10 individuals.
This condition is closely associated with muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy.
The other reason for this condition could be an underlying illness or injury. Athletics are considered at high risk of getting flat feet due to high chances of injury and strain.
Disorders like hypertension, down syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and obesity.
It can be hereditary too.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLAT FEET?
Pain in the feet is the most characteristic feature of flat feet as this condition hinders with the basic standing, walking and running of a person by straining and restricting the muscles.
Generally, following parts of the body are affected by the flat feet:
- Arch of the foot
- Ankle
- Calf
- Knee
- Lower legs
- Hips
- Lower back
The symptoms of flat feet include:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Leg cramps
- Muscle pain and fatigue
- Toe drift
HOW IS FLAT FEET DIAGNOSED?
Firstly, doctor looks for the signs of flat feet by physical examination. He examines the arch of the feet while the person is standing and walking. Gait and body posture is also evaluated.
For further investigations, imaging techniques like X-rays are used to probe into the underlying cause of the condition.
TREATMENT
If your condition is not causing any discomfort for you, then it doesn’t need any medical help. And in most of the cases, it doesn’t pose a threat.
But in some cases, it causes the body to be misaligned or disfigured and show other symptoms that cause pain and difficulty in standing and walking. In such cases, medical care helps a lot.
- NSAIDS – to relieve swelling
- Physical exercises – to improve mobility and increase flexibility.
- Foot support – to avoid strain on feet
- Supportive devices like foot braces, custom made shoes and foot orthotics.