Flat Feet Treatment
Flat Feet Treatment Options with Guaranteed Results
Flat feet, also known as fallen or collapsed arches, are a common condition affecting 20-30% of the global population. These fallen arches cause flat foot pain and improper foot alignment, which lead to limited mobility. Therefore, looking for effective flat foot treatment options becomes quite important to release unnecessary pressure from your feet.
In this blog post, we will discuss what flat feet are, what causes flat feet, flat feet diagnosis, and finally, most importantly, expert-recommended treatment strategies. So, anyone who wants to walk comfortably and confidently, even with a collapsed arch, read ahead.
What is Flat Feet Condition?
Flat feet refers to a condition in which the sole of the feet comes in contact with the ground when the person is standing. The connective tissue that usually holds the arch in its place is absent in these individuals. The absence of these structures causes the arch to fall or collapse every time pressure is placed on it.
Flat feet or collapsed arches can be present since birth or develop over time as the body ages and loses vitality and strength. Like any other medical condition, the severity of flat feet can vary from person to person. Some people experience no symptoms, while others complain of flat foot pain and related mobility issues.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Understanding the causes of flat feet is important in devising treatment strategies. Therefore, we recommend you look at some common causes before proceeding to the next section.
Genes: Flat feet are often inherited and appear during childhood as the arches fail to develop normally.
Aging: The posterior tibial tendon is a connective tissue band supporting the arch. It has been postulated that this tendon weakens with age, resulting in fallen arches.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the human body produces hormones known as relaxin. These hormones loosen ligaments, muscles, and joints, potentially causing the feet to flatten.
Obesity: Excessive body weight can put additional stress on the arches, forcing them to collapse.
Injury: Trauma to the foot or ankle can damage the foot’s structural components, leading to flat feet.
Diseases: Certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can lead to flat foot problems.
Flat Feet Diagnosis
Symptoms of Fallen Arches
In most cases, the diagnosis of flat feet was made based on the signs and symptoms experienced by the person. Here are a few of the common ones,
- Persistent foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch, is a frequent complaint.
- This discomfort might worsen with activity.
- Swelling of the sole
- When you have flat feet, you will frequently notice that your feet are tired easily.
- Altered walking pattern
- Difficulty finding shoes that comfortably fit your feet
Advanced Steps to Flat Feet Diagnosis
Optimal flat feet treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis, which guides the selection of treatments, ranging from conservative approaches such as orthotics and physical therapy to more invasive procedures if needed.
Therefore, if you’re confused about whether you have fallen arches or not, it’s best to consult an expert podiatrist at 5 Boro Podiatry, who will run specific tests to make a diagnosis.
Physical examination: The podiatrists will examine your feet as you walk, investigating the alignment of your heels, arches, and general foot structure.
Imaging Tests: The diagnosis can be confirmed through an X-ray, MRI, or CT showing the level to which the arch has collapsed and if it is impinging on surrounding tissue.
Flexibility Tests: This test helps determine the rigidity of a flat foot. A flexible flat foot may retain some part of the arch when not weight-bearing, while a rigid flat foot remains flat.
Flat Feet Treatment Options with Guaranteed Results
Adequate flat feet treatment first involves a comprehensive approach to recognizing the individual symptoms and severity of the condition.
Nonsurgical Flat Feet Treatment
For many, nonsurgical treatments offer incredible relief and enhance quality of life.
These include custom-made orthotics by 5 Boro Podiatry, which help support the arch and ensure the pressure on the base of the foot is evenly distributed.
Additionally, therapeutic physical exercises would strengthen the foot and lower leg muscles. In people where obesity is the main reason behind fallen arches, weight management may also be essential, as reductions in body weight will reduce arch stress, reducing some symptoms.
Finally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), among other medications, may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
Surgical Flat Feet Treatment
Surgical interventions, however, are recommended when the pain relief from the structural deformities is too strong or when nonsurgical methods for pain relief are not sufficient.
They may range from reconstructive surgeries such as osteotomies and tendon transfers, aiming at rebuilding the foot arch, to arthrodesis, which is the fusion of bones in the foot or ankle to eliminate movement that causes pain and restore stability to the joint.
Tendon repair might also be considered if the deterioration of the tendons has contributed to the condition.
At 5 Boro Podiatry, decisions concerning treatment are made only after a comprehensive flat feet diagnosis and elaborative discussion with the person, considering benefit and risk possibilities.
When to See a Podiatrist?
There is no need to walk in pain or compromise your daily routine just because you have flat feet. Instead, you can consult an expert podiatrist at 5BoroPodiatry to get your exclusive flat feet treatment plan based on your conditions.
So, prioritize your foot health and contact us today for expert advice.