WHAT ARE
FLAT FEET?
The arch of your foot
is it's main supportive structure. If this arch loses strength, the
bony framework begins to collapse, causing your foot to flatten. Like a
sagging bridge, the weakness in the middle strains the joints at both ends
of your foot.
Causes
There are many causes of flat feet. Some people are born with
them. Others acquire flat feet as a result of arthritis, trauma,
or usculoskeletal disorders. Overuse or repeated pounding on hard
surfaces can also weaken the foot's arch.
Symptoms
Discomfort from flat feet often doesn't appear for years. At
some point, pain may be felt and walking may become awkward as increasing
strain is put on your feet and calves.
Related
Problems
The excess strain from flat feet can cause other
problems, such as hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, arch strain, corns,
neuromas, and sagging joints. Flat feet can also affect other parts of
the body, causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees,
hips, and lower back.
Medical History
and Physical Exam
To determine the best treatment
for your problem, your podiatrist looks at your medical history, such
as any medical problems you may have had in the past. He or she asks
about the length and frequency or your symptoms, the types of
activities you do, and any pain or problems you may have in other parts of
your body. Your podiatrist does a complete examination of your foot,
including a gait analysis to observe the movement and stability of your
legs and feet as you walk.
Testing
If your problem is severe and
your podiatrist suspects a bone problem, x-rays may be needed. If
other problems are suspected, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or
computerized tomography (CT) may be done, which reveals
cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone.
HOW DOES MY
PODIATRIST
TREAT FLAT FEET?
If flat feet are
diagnosed at an early age, chances are good that nonsurgical treatment,
such as strapping, custom shoe inserts (orthotics), or medication can
help the problem.
Strapping
Taping your feet may help by temporarily maintaining the proper
position of your feet.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics can readjust the weight bearing position of
your feet. Soft, semi-flexible, or rigid inserts may be used,
depending on your weight and physical activity.
Medication
You may be given anti-inflammatory medication to temporarily
relieve pain caused by flat feet.
Surgery
If your flat feet cause chronic pain, surgery may be needed to
correct the alignment of the bones in your feet, or to support or
reinforce the tendon structures in your
feet.
WHAT CAN I
DO ABOUT FLAT FEET?
To help ease the pain
of flat feet, try the following as part of your daily routine. If you
have continuing problems, be sure to see your podiatrist.
Shoes
Be sure your shoes are
supportive and comfortable, with enough space in the toe box for
toes to wiggle. Women should wear low-heeled shoes, not
pumps.
Stretching
To stretch your soles and
tendons, try this: Lean on something stationary, with one leg in
front of the other and both heels flat. Bend the front knee. Hold for 10
seconds. Bend your back knee, bringing the heel up. Hold for 10
seconds. Do this 5 times with each leg.
Soaking and
Massage
Warm-water soaks or ice massages
can help relieve pain. But if you have diabetes or a circulation
problem, talk with your podiatrist first.
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