Flatfeet

Flat feet, also called fallen arches, is a common foot condition. It happens when the arch inside your foot, which normally gives your foot its shape, becomes flattened. This often means that when you stand, your feet point outward, and the entire bottom of your foot touches the ground.

Sometimes, flat feet develop during childhood, when the arch doesn't form properly. But it can also happen later in life. Causes can include injuries or just the natural wear and tear of aging.

In most cases, flat feet aren't painful. If you aren't experiencing any discomfort, no treatment is needed. However, if flat feet are causing you pain or limiting your activities, it's a good idea to see a doctor or podiatrist for an evaluation. They can determine if there's an underlying problem and recommend the best course of action.

Many people have flat feet and don't notice any problems. However, some people with flat feet do experience foot pain, often in their heels or arches. This pain can get worse when they're active. Sometimes, there's also swelling on the inside of the ankle. If you or your child are experiencing foot pain, especially if it's affecting your ability to do things you enjoy, it's important to talk to a doctor.

If you or your child are experiencing foot pain, especially if it's making it hard to do the things you enjoy, please talk to your doctor.

Many babies and young children have flat feet because their foot arches haven't fully formed yet. Most children develop arches as they grow older, but some people never develop a strong arch. Having flat feet doesn't always mean there's a problem.

Sometimes, a child has what's called flexible flatfoot. This means the arch is present when the child is on their toes or sitting down, but it disappears when they stand normally. In most cases, flexible flat feet don't cause any problems and go away on their own as the child grows.

However, people of any age can develop flat feet. This can happen suddenly after an injury to the foot. Or, over time, the arch can gradually flatten due to repeated stress or wear and tear. The tendon on the inside of the ankle, which helps support the arch, might weaken or even tear. As flat feet worsen, this can sometimes lead to arthritis in the foot.

Several things can make it more likely that you'll develop flat feet. These include:

• Being overweight or obese: Carrying extra weight puts extra pressure on your feet, potentially leading to flat feet. This added pressure can stretch and weaken the arch support structures over time.

• Foot or ankle injuries: A sprain, fracture, or other injury to your foot or ankle can damage the tissues that hold your foot's arch in place. This damage can make it harder for your foot to maintain its normal shape.

• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a condition where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, including those in the feet and ankles. The inflammation and damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis can weaken the supportive structures in your foot, potentially leading to flat feet.

• Getting older: As we age, the ligaments and tendons in our feet naturally lose some of their strength and flexibility. This can result in a gradual flattening of the arch.

• Diabetes: Diabetes can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood flow to the feet. This can weaken the muscles and tissues that support the arch, increasing the risk of flat feet. Also, people with diabetes often have a higher risk of foot injuries, which, as noted above, can further contribute to flat feet.

To understand what's causing your foot pain, a doctor will examine your feet from the front and back. They'll also ask you to stand on your toes to check your ankle strength. They'll carefully look for the exact spot where you're feeling pain. The way your shoes are worn down can also give them clues about your feet.

To pinpoint the problem, your doctor might order some imaging tests.

• X-rays: A simple X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of your bones and joints. This is helpful for seeing if your bones are aligned correctly and if you might have arthritis.

• CT scans: A CT scan takes lots of X-rays from different angles, giving a much clearer picture than a regular X-ray. It shows more detail, which can be important for diagnosing problems.

• Ultrasound: If your doctor thinks you might have hurt a tendon, they might use ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create detailed images of soft tissues like tendons and ligaments in your feet.

• MRI: An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnet to create very detailed images of both your bones and soft tissues. This is a powerful tool for seeing the details of injured tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues. MRIs can show problems that other tests might miss.

Flat feet don't always need treatment. If they're not causing any pain, you don't need to do anything.

However, if flat feet are causing pain, there are several ways to address it:

1. Arch Supports (Orthotics):

Simple, over-the-counter arch supports can help ease pain from flat feet. Sometimes, a doctor might recommend custom-made arch supports. These are molded to fit the shape of your feet for a more personalized solution. Keep in mind that arch supports won't fix the flat feet themselves, but they can often lessen the discomfort.

2. Stretching Exercises:

People with flat feet sometimes have tight Achilles tendons (the tendons connecting your calf muscles to your heel). Stretching exercises can help loosen these tendons and reduce pain.

3. Physical Therapy:

Flat feet can sometimes contribute to injuries in people who are active, especially runners. A physical therapist can design exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your feet, and can also provide advice on improving your walking or running style. This can help prevent future problems.

4. Surgery:

Surgery isn't typically the first choice for flat feet. It's usually only considered if other treatments haven't worked and the pain is still interfering with your daily activities. Surgical procedures can address underlying bone or tendon problems that are causing the pain. This might involve repairing damaged structures.

If you're experiencing foot pain related to flat feet, it's important to see a healthcare professional. They can properly diagnose the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.