All About Flat Feet
All About Flat Feet
Individuals who either lack an arch in their feet or have too little of it suffer from flat feet or fallen arches. The gap under the foot causes discomfort and may indicate an underlying disorder. The foot’s arch is necessary to support and distribute the body weight evenly across the feet and upper body.
People with flat feet experience difficulty while standing and walking. It can also cause the feet to protrude sideways. Here we give you a low-down on everything you need to know about flat feet; its types, symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Types of flat feet
1. Flexible flat foot
In this condition, the arches in feet are visible only when you lift the leg off the ground. When standing, the entire sole is in contact with the ground. The condition begins in childhood and usually doesn’t involve pain.
2. Rigid flat feet
The entire foot is flat whether you are standing on them or sitting. They are very rigid and can become quite painful.
Symptoms
Symptoms can be exhibited by tired, sore feet, sore knees, and even low back pain when walking or standing. Individuals will feel this discomfort at some point in their lifetime.
In children, discomfort/tired feeling while walking and tenderness is the most common symptoms. You must talk to your Podiatrist when you see these symptoms.
Causes
Underdeveloped lax ligaments cause flatfoot in children. The condition is also hereditary and often seen in people with Down’s Syndrome. Abnormal foot development causes rigid flatfoot because of genetics or other medical conditions like cerebral palsy. Bone fracture or dislocation, torn or stretched tendon, or arthritis can cause flatfoot.
Treatments
If you or your child suffers from a flat foot condition, your Podiatrist will suggest the following treatment options:
Better-fitting shoes.
Prescription shoe inserts called orthotics.
A physical therapy regime.
If traditional methods like therapy and orthotics don’t offer any relief, surgical intervention is usually the last resort. The Podiatrist might repair a torn tendon, fuse bones together, or reshape the bone structure, to correct alignment issues. There is also an implant called HyproCure for flexible flat feet.
Accent on Feet
We have been providing solutions to foot-related issues for the last 39 years at our Toronto-based Podiatry clinic. We are a leader in the REAL Minimally Invasive foot surgery and provide both ambulatory and surgical care. Hartley specializes in solving foot issues, predominately toe bunion treatment. Our aim is to help people with foot issues live a healthy and comfortable life. You don’t need a referral from a doctor to schedule a visit. You can book an appointment by calling us at (416) 635-8637 or 1-866-535-8637 (toll-free). Save time by bringing along a completed copy of the new patient form.
