A lot of noise exists about flat feet.
What are flat feet and are they really a problem? We are all born with fat and flat feet. Our joints are very flexible and our bones have not developed fully. Plus, we have a considerable layer of “baby fat” which is healthy and normal, but it can give the foot the impression of being severely flat. As we age our bodies develop and we will often create an arch in our feet.
The medical term for flat feet is excess pronation and it is the “excess” word that is important as pronation on its own is actually a normal motion.
When is it normal? When we walk or run, we need to absorb some of the force that runs up the leg when we make contact with the ground. The arch of the foot will partially reduce and we will bend our knees slightly.
Once we move onto the next stage of the walking cycle (the gait cycle), the arch will typically rise again. This partial collapse and return is part of the shock-absorbing properties of the body and is essential for avoiding damage being spread up the body. In this situation pain usually will not develop and often no intervention is required.
When is it a problem? In some instances, the arch may not develop and a permanent flat foot may be present. When the foot is excessively pronated or flat, this can lead to the joints in the feet working at their end range of motion. This can lead to joint damage and overload to certain structures, for example, the big toe joint may “jam” leading to arthritis.
Certain tendons and muscles are also employed by the body to try to help control this excess motion, leading to shin splints or a very serious condition involving damage to the tibialis tendon, resulting in a debilitating weakened and completely collapsed foot.
The foot above, for example, if left untreated, could lead to a multitude of symptoms. That is a foot that should be treated ASAP.
What causes flat feet? There are many causes of flat feet, from genetics, certain arthritis and poor biomechanics, where the foot does not develop as it ideally should, leading to the foot compensating and flattening out.
What can be done? There are various options. If the excess pronation is mild and symptoms do not exist, it may simply require some exercises and shoe advice,
If the problem is moderate or severe, exercises and orthotics may be required. Orthotics are special insoles that can control excess motion. There are various types of orthotics available, from ready-made off-the-shelf devices to custom-made 3D digitally-printed orthotics.
In severe situations, where all non-surgical interventions have failed, there are surgical options.
The podiatrists at Sydney’s Bio Podiatry are skilled in assessing your feet to ascertain if the position of the feet is an issue or simply a mild variation. If it is a problem, our podiatrists can offer you guidance and help you manage the condition, allowing you to live comfortably with your flat feet.
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