subject: Pes Planus - Flat Feet Treatment [print this page] Flatfeet is a condition which describes a flattening of the arch on the inside of the foot. The presence of a flat arch, in and of itself, is not painful or otherwise problematic. However, it can lead to problematic issues down the road. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and potential complications and treatments options associated with flatfeet.
What Flatfeet is
Flatfeet simply refers to a flattening of the arch on the inside of the foot. The condition is painless, and can result from a developmental issue in childhood. Flatfeet can also be associated with pregnancy and is commonly associated with aging. While not painful or intrinsically problematic, issues caused by flatfeet can become serious over time, resulting in a variety of problems with gait, and pain in the feet, ankles and knees and legs.
Flatfeet is apparent by the flatness that exists on the foot and is easily determined. The complications associated with flatfeet may become present through uneven wear on your shoes, with the shoe collapsing inward, pain in the lower leg, ankle pain, ankle swelling, and foot pain.
Infants and babies naturally have flat feet. As they develop and begin to walk, the structures of the foot adjust to help stabilize the baby's gait and distribute the load of footsteps effectively. However, not all babies develop out of flatfeet by the time they are children and can have flat feet the remainder of their lives. This is considered a typical variation of the foot development pattern and is not concerning because it frequently does not cause issues.
Arches can also "fall" over time. After years of doing its task of supporting the body and its movement, the tendon supporting the arch can wear and weaken and become inflamed. Sustained inflammation or tearing will result in loss of arch support, leading to a fallen arch. Those most at risk for this condition include those with diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury to the foot or ankle. As stated before age and pregnancy are also associated with the flatfeet.
Those with flatfeet may experience bunions, hammertoes, shin splints, tendinitis in the ankle and foot or plantar fasciitis, which is a painful condition of the ligaments in the soles of the foot. Also, alignment issues can result from flatfeet, resulting in ankle, knee and hip pain.
Those who seek medical treatment will likely experience a foot exam, in which the foot will be looked at from various angles, and its mechanical function observed while standing. Doctors might also order any of a series of tests, including X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan. These tests will allow the doctor to see the structure of the foot.
Flatfeet treatment
Flatfeet does not cause issues for many people, and thus will not require treatment. However, for those who experience pain associated with it, supports for flat feet will often be used. Flat Feet insoles are available over the counter and often provide a great deal of relieve from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
In certain cases, custom made arch supports may be appropriate. These orthotics can be more effective than over the counter insoles because they are designed to mold to your foot's particular shape. These devices can be easily moved in and out of different shoes. There are three types, rigid, semirigid and soft. A medical professional can help you determine which is the right one for you. There are other types of supports as well, some of which work in concert with these custom made solutions.
Rest might also be recommended, as well as reduced physical activity during the period when you feet need to heal. Over the counter pain relievers are often recommended to treat the discomfort associated with flatfeet. For those with weight conditions, weight loss is often recommended as excess weight will acerbate the pain and cause excessive pressure on the foot and foot tendons.
In cases that have been caused by a tendon tear, surgery could be recommended to repair the tear. In these cases, special recovery and rehabilitation techniques will be recommended.
However in most cases of flatfeet, with proper treatment, the pain and discomfort should subside and regular activities can be resumed by starting with non-load bearing activities such as swimming and cycling. Later, as the condition fully heals, activities like walking, running and so forth can be resumed slowly. Many people who have experienced the pain associated with flatfeet have gone undiagnosed for a long period of time, during which they may have slowly reduced their activity. Rebuilding to pre-onset condition should be done over time.
Depending on the nature of the condition, insoles or orthotics may need to be worn indefinitely. In time, many people gradually stop using the devices, and the time period during which they do use them varies considerably.
