Fallen arches are characterized by either no arch or a very low arch.
The inside portion of a person’s foot is generally exposed when they stand, as the arch rises slightly above the ground.
However, if your flat feet create discomfort, suggest an underling illness or cause pain elsewhere in the body, you should seek treatment. The arches of some persons appear to be slender or non-existent.
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However, there are simple gadgets and exercises that might assist to alleviate flat foot problems.
Please continue reading to find out more about flat feet’s origins, symptoms, and treatment.
What are flat feet, and how can you get rid of them?
The arch of a person’s foot is very low or non-existent if they have flat feet.
With flat feet, one or both of the person’s feet may be flat on the ground.
To hold 26 distinct bones together on a human foot, there are 33 joints in the foot. There are also about 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the thigh region.
As a result of the arches, the step has a spring to it and the body weight is evenly distributed over the feet and legs. Because of the arches’ shape, people walk differently. They must be both strong and flexible so that they can bend and conform to different surfaces. Supporting flat feet with orthotic insoles will help to limit the stress and strain on your feet. A soft cushioned orthotic insole will also help to slow the forces that are applied to the feet and make your feet more comfortable.
As a result of a flat foot, a person’s feet may slide inwards whether they are standing, walking, or running. Overpronation is a condition in which the feet point outward.
Others will suffer a wide range of symptoms depending on the severity of the illness.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the feet is the most prevalent sign of flat feet. Strenuous exercise can result in strained muscles and ligaments that link them.
- Knee and hip discomfort might be caused by abnormal pressures on these joints. If the ankles are turned inward, these pressures are likely to occur.
In general, pain occurs in the following areas:
- as well as potential edema.
- the foot’s arch.
- calf.
- knee.
- hip.
- the lumbar spine.
- bottom of the legs
Also, one or both of your feet may be stiff.
Body weight distribution can be affected by flat feet. Due to this uneven or rapid wear, especially on one side, additional injuries might occur.
Causes:
Flat feet are caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetic characteristics, such as flat feet, can be passed down the generations.
- When a person sits, the arch is apparent, but when they stand, the foot flattens out.
- Ankle or foot injury.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- The posterior tibial tendon can be damaged, dysfunctional, or ruptured.
- Cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and spina bifida are all neurological disorders.
Tarsal coalition is another condition that can cause flat feet. When the foot bones fuse together in an abnormal way, it results in rigid and flat feet.
Obesity and diabetes increase the risk of developing flat feet. During pregnancy, flat feet are also more prevalent.
Even as we mature, we might acquire flat feet. Weakness in the posterior tibial tendon can be caused by daily foot usage. As the major support component for the foot arch, this tendon plays a vital role.
Inflammation, often known as tendonitis, or tearing of the tendon, can result from overuse. The foot arch may flatten if the tendon is damaged.
Another cause is a birth defect that develops throughout infancy, or an age-related condition such as flat feet that develops post-pregnancy.
Diagnosis:
Flat-footed people who do not have pain or other symptoms typically do not need to go to the doctor.
However, anyone who has lately gotten flat feet should consult a doctor.
By inspecting the feet and seeing the individual while they stand and walk, most trained healthcare practitioners are able to detect falling arches.
Both the front and rear of the foot will be examined by the physician. As a result, the client may be asked to stand on their toes so that the doctor may evaluate how each foot looks and functions.
In addition, a doctor will review the patient’s medical history. This can include X-rays as well as CT scanning and even MRI scans in certain situations.
Exercises:
Flat feet can be treated or prevented with the help of a podiatrist or physical therapist.
AAOS suggests the following exercises to enhance foot and ankle strength and flexibility, which may help alleviate discomfort.
This is because a tight Achilles tendon causes the foot to roll inwards. The Achilles tendon and posterior calf muscles are stretched during heel cord stretching.
