All You Need to Know About Flat Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Everybody has flat feet from an early age, otherwise known as fallen arches. When people suffer from flat feet, some do not feel pain, but others can have pain, fatigue, or mobility issues that prevent them from conducting everyday life. To sustain long-term foot health and well-being, one needs to grasp the concept of flat feet; what makes some succumb to it, and how it can be eradicated.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, or fallen arches, are a condition in which the arches of the feet fall due to mechanical issues failing to form, resulting in the entire sole of the foot landing on the ground when a person is standing. Arch: The arch allows the normal foot to absorb bodyweight shocks and help redistribute the body weight in the right manner when walking or running. The absence or flattening of the arch changes the posture, gait, and alignment of the skeletal system, which changes the distribution of the forces of load, ultimately stressing the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

A person can have it in one of their foot or both feet and can be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet can have an arch when the foot is not weight-bearing aka hanging, but when the foot is standing, the arch collapses (or flattens). In stiff flat feet, the arch is never present, maybe reflecting a more seriously underlying issue.

Common Causes of Flat Feet

There are various reasons which can lead to flat feet, and many times a combination of those reasons can cause flat feet. Common causes include:

• Genetics– flat feet is a hereditary malformation in a way that some people inherit a tendency to flat feet or weak arches or poorly formed arches.
• Growing up: Most kids have flat feet when they first start walking. Arches grow naturally in most, however may keep flat feet into adulthood.
• Injury or Trauma: If you injury your tendons, ligaments, or bones in the foot or ankle they may  lead to arch collapse.
• A functioning posterior tibial tendon is also integral for arch support
• Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction The arch may eventually collapse when it becomes   inflamed or weak.
• Age: Wear and tear on the feet can weaken structures that support the feet over time, making flat feet more likely.
• Other causes: Some medical conditions – including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, and neurological conditions – can also   result in flat feet.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

However, not all individuals with flat feet have symptoms. However, all symptoms can occur, although not all people have symptoms, for those who do they can be mild to very chronic in nature. Common signs include:

Heel or arch pain Sore feet.

• Swelling on the inner side of the ankle
• Feet that feel tried or sore after standing or walking
• Trouble walking or running long distance.
• Overpronation, which occurs when the feet roll inwards too much.
• Knee, hip, or lower back pain due to misaligned alignment
• Untreated symptomatic flat feet can cause secondary problems such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, or joint pain.

How Flat Feet Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis often starts with a physical exam by a podiatrist. The provider will examine the: foot shape standing posture walking gait If there is pain or deformity an x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound may be done to look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues.

An accurate diagnosis provides whether or not flat feet are flexible or rigid and gives the background condition that makes them problematic.

Treatment Options for Flat Feet

Appropriate management varies with the degree of symptoms and the cause. Most people with flat feet do not need treatment unless they have pain. Conservative approaches are generally pursued first for all those who have discomfort.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Athletic Shoes — Shoes with adequate arch support and  cushioning can help alleviate stress on the feet.

Prescription orthotic inserts help with arch support, proper   alignment, and even pressure distribution, which can all help to alleviate pain.

Physical Therapy: Stretching what is more strengthening exercises to enhance flexibility and strength, especially in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.

Activity Modification: Reducing high-impact activities may aid relieve pain furthermore prevent further damage.

Pain Control: Nonsteroidalantiburn medications or cold therapy may be   applied to lessen swelling and pain.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments are ineffective and symptoms have a major influence on life. Surgical options are based on the underlying cause of flat feet and severity and may include tendon repair, bone realignment, or stabilizing joint.

Foot Care with Magnet Health NY Podiatry

Magnet Health NY offers expert podiatry services to identify and treat foot conditions including flat feet. Sports podiatrists combine high-tech diagnostic methods with treatments guided by evidence to alleviate pain and restore mobility. From custom orthotics and guided physical therapy, to ongoing chronic foot care management, Magnet Health NY offers a full-service podiatric solution suited to your lifestyle and health ambitions. Go to https://magnethealthny.com for more information on their podiatry services.

Living Comfortably With Flat Feet

Flat Feet Should Never Hold You Back From Your Day To Day Life Most patients can achieve symptom control and complication prevention with early diagnosis, appropriate footwear, and professional care. In short, optimal foot health, a reasonable weight, and, if symptoms arise, a podiatric check-up are the three keys to a life free of discomfort.

Conclusion

Flat feet are not a diagnosis but rather a way of describing the foot type; they can have many different causes, many different symptoms, and many different treatments and, quite commonly, we might see all these things being confused together. Most people have no symptoms, but some will need specialized treatment to ease pain and increase function. With the knowledge of what goes on with your feet and getting professional podiatry care when you need it, you can remain active, pain-free and confident on your feet for years to come.