Description

Flat foot is a common condition, also known as flatfoot, in which the arches on the inside of the feet flatten out when the pressure is exerted on them. When people with flat feet foot, feet point outward, and the entirety of the soles of the feet to fall down and touch the floor.

Flat feet can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. It can also develop later in life after an injury or from the simple wear of the tensions of age.

Flat foot is generally without pain. If you are not having pain, the treatment is not necessary. However, if the flat foot is causing the pain and the limitation of what you want to do, then an evaluation by a specialist may be warranted.

Symptoms

Most of the people do not have symptoms associated with flat feet. But some people with flat feet experience pain in the foot, especially in the heel or the arch of the area. The pain may get worse with activity. The swelling may occur along the inner part of the ankle.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your health care provider if you or your child have pain in the foot, especially if it is the limitation of what you want to do.

Causes

Flat foot is not unusual in infants and young children, as the foot of the arch has not yet developed. Most people arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. People without bows may or may not have problems.

Some children have flexible flat foot often called flexible flatfoot, in which the arch is visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes, but it disappears when the child is located. The majority of children outgrow the flexible flat foot without problems.

People without flat feet can also develop the condition. Arches collapse suddenly after an injury. Or the collapse can occur over years of use and wear. Over time, the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle and helps to sustain the arc may get weakened or torn. As the severity increases of arthritis can develop in the foot.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of flat feet are:

  • Obesity
  • Injury to the foot or ankle
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Aging
  • Diabetes

Diagnosis

In view of the mechanics of the feet, a health care provider will observe your feet from the front and the back and ask you to stand on the toes of the feet. The provider will test the strength in the ankles and locate the main area of your pain. The wear pattern on your shoes can also reveal information about their feet.

Tests

Imaging tests that may be useful in the diagnosis of the cause of foot pain can include:

  • The x-rays. A simple X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and joints of the feet. It is especially useful in the evaluation of the alignment and the detection of arthritis.
  • CTscan. This test takes x-rays of the feet from different angles and provides much more detail than a standard X-ray.
  • Ultrasound. The ultrasound can be used when a tendon injury is suspected. The ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed images of the soft tissues within the body.
  • The magnetic resonance imaging. The use of radio waves and a strong magnet, MRI's provide excellent detail of the bones and soft tissues.

Treatment

No treatment is needed for flat feet, if it does not cause pain.

Therapies

For flat foot, painful, a health care provider might suggest:

  • The arch supports (orthotics). - Counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flat foot. Sometimes, custom-designed arch supports that moulds to the contours of the foot is recommended. The arch supports is not a cure for flat feet, but they often reduce the symptoms.
  • Stretching exercises. Some people with flat feet are also a reduction of the Achilles tendon. Exercises to stretch the tendon can help.
  • The physical therapy. Flat feet can contribute to overuse injuries in some corridors. A physical therapist can give you exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the feet and guidance to improve gait.

Surgery

The surgery is not performed only to correct the flat foot. Surgery may be an option when patients have pain that still limits their activities after having tried the non-surgical treatments. Surgery can repair the bone and the tendon of the issues that are causing the pain.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If the flat foot will cause mild pain, you may want to try:

  • Rest. Avoid activities that may aggravate the condition. Participate in low-impact activities, such as walking, biking, or swimming — in instead of jumping and running activities.
  • The arch supports. The arch supports that are available without a prescription may increase your comfort.
  • Drugs. Pain relievers that are available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help.
  • The loss of weight. Weight loss can reduce stress on the feet.

Preparing for your appointment

If your feet cause significant pain, your doctor may refer you to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the foot, as an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist.

What you can do

The wear and tear of the everyday life of the shoes to your appointment so that your health care provider can check the wear patterns on the soles of the feet. Before the appointment, you might want to write the answers to the following questions:

  • When did you first notice problems with your feet?
  • What other health problems, if there is, what is it?
  • Do your parents or siblings have flat feet?
  • Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?
  • What medications and supplements that you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider can ask some of the following questions:

  • Where exactly does it hurt?
  • How would you describe the pain is dull, sharp, burning?
  • What makes the pain worse? What makes the pain better?
  • Does the type of shoes you wear affect the pain?
  • Have you tried arch supports?
  • How does the pain affect your life?
Symptoms and treatment of flat foot