You have Flat feet? Is it a problem?
By Klejda Tani
You have flat feet when your feet press flat on the ground. The feet don’t have a normal arch when you are standing. It is a common condition and usually nothing to worry about.
The condition is referred to as pes planus, pronated foot or fallen arches. It’s normal in infants and usually disappears between ages 2 and 3 years old.
The most common type of flat foot is the “Flexible flat foot”. Flexible flat foot usually occurs in both feet and is characterized by feet that flatten when the foot is supporting the body (standing), but regains its arch when the foot is relaxed (sitting).
Test Yourself for Flat Feet?
To test your-self for flat feet follow the steps below:
- Get your feet wet.
- Stand on a flat surface where your footprint will show, such as on a concrete walkway.
- Step away and look at the prints. If you see complete imprints of the bottom of your feet on the surface, then you’re likely to have flat feet.
What can cause flat feet?
- Damage, dysfunction, or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon
- Broken or dislocated bones and foot or ankle injury
- Genetic factors, as flat feet can pass from parents to children in the genes
- Health conditions such as arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- Nervous system diseases such as muscle dystrophy and cerebral palsy.
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Aging
Symptoms of Flat feet.
Most of the people that have flat feet never notice any problems and require no treatment. But there are people that can experiences some symptoms.
- Painful feet. Is the most common symptom.
- Feet that can get tired easily
- The inside bottom of the feet can become swollen during the day
- Heel and ankle pain
- Knee, hip, and lower back pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
Treatment options.
- Orthotics. Special shoe or heel inserts a doctor prescribes that are custom-made specifically for you.
- Exercises. We recommend to do stretches and exercises for feet at least three times a week.
- Physiotherapy. When patients experience severe symptoms we always recommend consulting a physiotherapist for more specialized treatment.
- Foot surgery. This is the last option and is considered only in severe cases.
