All About Flat Feet

When a person stands, there are gaps beneath the inner parts of the feet, as arches slightly rise off the ground. However, in some cases, the arches are fallen, and therefore, the soles of their feet lie flat on the floor when a person is standing.

This condition is known as flat feet. It is worth noting that if flat feet are not causing any discomfort or pain, they do not need any treatment. However, if they are causing symptoms, there are exercises and simple devices that can help patients to minimize the discomfort.

If you have flat feet and they are causing you problems, a reliable Midtown podiatrist can help you to find relief. Below are some important things you should know about flat feet.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

Pain in the feet is perhaps the most common symptom of flat foot. It occurs due to strained ligaments or muscles. Abnormal stress on the hip and knee may also cause people with flat feet to experience pain in these joints.

These stresses can occur when the ankle turns inward. Generally, pain associated with flat feet can affect many parts of the body, including hip, knee, low leg, calf, arch of the foot, and even the lower back.

Flat feet can also lead to an uneven distribution of a patient’s body weight, and consequently, his or her shoes may wear down more quickly than usual or unevenly, which can cause further injuries.

Cause of Flat Foot

Some of the most common causes of flat feet includes:

• Ankle or foot injury
• Arthritis
• Dysfunction, rupture, or damage of the posterior tibial tendons
• Weak arches. Meaning that the arches may appear when a person is not standing on their feet and flatten when they stand
• Genetic factor, as the condition can be passed from parents to children
• Muscle or nervous system diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have flat feet, but you do not experience any pain or discomfort, you do not have to see a doctor. However, you may have to seek the assistance of a podiatrist if:

• the issue developed recently
• you have pain in the lower limbs, ankles, or feet
• the symptoms are not improving with proper shoes
• the feet are feeling heavy, rigid, and unwieldy

Diagnosis involves a physical examination of the foot and observing patients as they walk or stand. Treatment of flat foot may involve physical therapy to reduce or even prevent the symptoms from developing. Supportive and well-fitting shoes can also help. Your doctor may also recommend orthotics and even an ankle brace.

The Takeaway

Overall, it is apparent that flat feet are a common problem, and it can occur due to a number of reasons and cause many different symptoms. Luckily, it is an issue that can be managed with the assistance of a podiatrist. If you are looking for a reliable podiatrist in New York, to help you with managing and preventing the symptoms of flat feet, City Podiatrist is an excellent facility to consider.