subject: How To Treat Flat Feet [print this page] Flat feet are a complex and common disorderFlat feet are a complex and common disorder. Toddlers and infants usually have flat feet before they start walking, as their longitudinal arches have not developed yet. As a child begins to stand, an arch will appear and continue to develop throughout childhood.
By adulthood, most people will have developed normal arches. For those that do not, flat feet is often the result. Having flat feet are not always a painful condition, but in some cases treatment is necessary to eliminate nagging pain.
What Are Flat Feet And Do I Have Them?
Flat feet generally occur because the tendons holding the joints together in your feet become loose. As children age, the tendons begin to tighten and an arch forms. However, this sometimes does not occur and the result is flat feet. In addition, aging, illness or injuries may also contribute to flat feet forming later on in life.
In most cases, flat feet do not produce any pain or symptoms. In these cases, there is no need to seek any treatment or make any lifestyle changes. However, if you do feel pain due to your flat feet, there are treatment options available to you.
Symptoms that are consistent with flat feet include:
*Lower back, hip or knee pain
*General aching or fatigue in the foot or leg
*Pain along the shin bone (shin splints)
*Pain in the heel, arch, ankle or along the outside of the foot
How Your Podiatrist Can Treat Your Flat Feet
Your podiatrist in Olney can help you in the diagnosis and treatment process of flat feet. Depending on how severe your condition is, anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy, icing, supporting taping, bracing or orthotics may be used to treat your flat feet.
You should talk to your podiatrist before taking any medications or doing any treatments yourself. In some cases, surgery can be performed to repair a torn or damaged tendon and return it to normal function. In severe cases, surgery can be performed on the midfoot bones to treat flat feet. This can be determined by your podiatrist.
Surgery can also include lengthening of the Achilles tendon, cutting the muscle fibers that form the Achilles tendon, a cut in the heel bone and a procedure along the arch of your foot to recreate an arch.
If you have flat feet and are experiencing severe or mild pain, contact your podiatrist in Olney for further consultation on what to do to get rid of your pain. It is important that you consult with your podiatrist before taking treatment into your own hands. Flat feet are not always a painful or bothersome condition, but if they are, treatment from your podiatrist is available to help you.
To learn more about flat feet or to schedule an appointment, contact your Olney, MD podiatrist today.
