Flat Feet

Flat feet, may also be referred to as flatfoot, pes planus, pronated foot, and fallen arches, with various degrees of physical impact. This can occur in one or both feet can be passed down as a hereditary trait or may simply develop over time. Flat feet are characterized by no arch; the entire sole of your foot touches, or nearly touches, the ground when standing.

Flexible flatfoot is a common form of flatfoot that typically shows up in children and worsens with age. Flexible flatfoot usually occurs in both feet and is characterized by feet that flatten (the arch gives way) when the foot is supporting the body, but regains its arch when the foot is relaxed.

Causes

Infants & children

Flat feet are common in children due to :

• Heredity
• Laxity of ligaments
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Lack of foot exercise

Typically a child’s arches begin developing in infancy and progress to normal arches in line with normal growth patterns.

Adults

Some of the most common causes of flat feet in adults are:

• Achilles Equinus contracture
• Failed or injured tendons
• Arthritis
• Marfan syndrome
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Overuse & strain
• Injury and Fractures
• Age

Symptoms & Identification

The most identifiable symptoms and characteristics of flat feet are the decrease or lack of arches in your feet (especially when weight bearing) and pain / fatigue along the inner side of your feet and arches.

Problems associated with flat feet can include :

• Inflammation of soft tissue
• Foot, arch, and leg fatigue
• Heel, foot, and ankle pain
• Knee, hip, and lower back pain
• Rolled-in ankles
• Abnormal walking patterns
• Shin splints
• Bunions
• Hammer Toes
• Arthritis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)

Flat Foot Treatment

Children

Here at Prestige Healthcare our Orthotists will conduct a clinical exam to determine the type and cause of most flatfoot deformity.

Most cases of flat feet in children are genetic. However their feet are flexible in nature and can be treated with:

• Custom Made Insoles
• Bracing
• Appropriate footwear such as YDA Trainers
• Exercise
• Surgery – often the best treatment for preventing major developmental complications in the future

Adults

Non-surgical treatment options for deterring the development of flat feet and its symptoms are:

• Custom Orthotics
• Bracing and Supports
• Supportive footwear
• Exercises
• Physical Therapy
• Weight loss
• Daily activity modifications
• Medication
• Rest

 The main goal of our clinicians is to treat flat feet conservatively , but at some stage surgical intervention may be required.

When diagnosing flat feet, our podiatrists complete a full foot examination with attention given to the biomechanical function of the foot.  With this review, our Orthotists will  be able to suggest next steps in treatment as well as footwear options – from the best daily shoes to running shoes for flat feet.

For more information about Flat Feet or to have an assessment or some treatment contact us by filling out the form below, emailing or calling us.