Flat Feet
What is it?
Individuals who have flat feet stand without an arch on their feet. The feet of a baby is naturally shaped in a flattened position due to the way that they are created. The arches in a child’s developing head are still being formed when they are young. Walking can be very painful and challenging for an adult if their arches do not develop normally or if they collapse (fallen arches). The benefits of stretching and working out your feet can’t be overstated.
Flat feet, also referred to as “arched-less feet,” are a type of foot deformity that can damage either one or both of the foot’s arches. When standing normally, the arch of the foot is not seen, but when the foot is raised, the arch is brought into focus.
Flat feet are a natural part of a baby’s foot structure. Six years of age is the typical age at which one will get arches. Approximately 2% of all children will eventually develop flat feet. The arches of a few of the adults have begun to sag. This condition is sometimes referred to as “fallen arches” or even “flatfoot” in some circles.
It’s safe to say that most people in every region of the world don’t have flat feet. Therapy may be helpful for patients suffering from painful flat feet as well as other symptoms caused by the condition.
Type of Flat Foot
Having flat feet can be a problem, regardless of whether they began as a youngster or as an adult. This condition can manifest itself as follows:
- Flexible:
The majority of individuals with flat feet are highly flexible. Even when you are not perfectly still, the arches of your feet are visible. The arch disappears as soon as you put weight on your feet. Most people develop flexible flatfoot in their youth or adolescence. The problem affects both feet and worsens over time.
- Rigid:
When people are sitting or standing and using their feet to support their weight, their feet lack arches (no weight on the feet). This condition affects the majority of adolescents and worsens over time. You may suffer soreness in your feet. It may be difficult to bend the feet upwards or downwards or shift the feet laterally. Flat feet can irritate one or both feet.
- Broken arch:
People with flat feet have “falling arches,” which occur when the arch of the foot suddenly falls. When the foot turns out, it hurts when the arch falls. The problem could not extend beyond one foot. Most cases of Achilles tendinitis and torn tendons happen in the posterior tibial tendon, which is in charge of stabilising the arch of the foot.
- Vertex talus:
Some infants are born with a congenital abnormality (called a “vertical talus”) that prevents the development of their arches. When the talus is misaligned, it causes pain and instability in the ankle. At its base, the foot resembles a rocking chair. The term “rocker-bottom foot” refers to vertical talus.
Causes
The agony caused by flat feet can be intense. They are the consequence of anomalies affecting the bones and tissues of the lower legs and feet. As a result of the fact that it takes some time for the tendons to create an arch, it is prevalent in infants and younger children. It is quite unusual for the bones in a child’s foot to fuse together in a way that is uncomfortable.
Flat feet may develop in the event that this tightening does not take place completely. If you are older or have been in an accident, you have a greater risk of injuring the tendons in one or both of your feet. This risk increases with each passing year. This syndrome has been linked to both muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, which both affect the muscles.
It’s probable that people with flat feet get them from their parents. The arches in a child’s feet will become more developed over the course of their childhood. Flat feet can be caused by either arch that is extremely high or arches that are nearly entirely flat.
There are those people who, no matter how old they get, will always have flat feet. It is possible that there is a history of the disease in the family. The probability of getting flat feet can also be increased by a number of other conditions, including the following:
- Achilles tendon
- Diabetes
- Fractured bones
- Damage to the brain
- Pregnant
- High blood pressure.
- Down syndrome
- Rheumatoid arthritis signs
- Obesity
Symptoms
Even while there are some people who have flat feet that experience discomfort or other symptoms, the majority of people with flat feet do not. Even though flat feet are very common, there are several different types, and some of them can be rather painful. Some possible signs are:
- Throbbing and aching in the legs
- Twitching or soreness in the muscles of the lower legs or feet (aching or tiredness).
- It hurts quite a lot on the outside of the foot, as well as the heel, ankle, and arch.
- If you notice any changes in your walking pattern or if you experience pain when walking, you should see a doctor (how you walk).
- Feet apart (front part of the foot and toes point outward).
The majority of people who have flat feet are oblivious to the fact that they have the ailment. On the other hand, the discomfort experienced by some people who have flat feet is localised in the arch or the heel. It’s possible that moving around will make the pain even worse. There is a chance that the inside of the ankle will swell up as a result of the injury.
If you or a member of your family is having foot discomfort, particularly if it prohibits them from engaging in activities that they like, you should make an appointment at saqsham ortho to get flat feet treatment with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
Most people can determine whether or not they have flat feet on their own, but a podiatrist may be required to determine the cause. Both x-rays and a physical examination can be used to examine the foot’s structure.
Examining what we can see
- A podiatrist will typically examine your feet while you are standing if you have flat feet. There are numerous types of eye exams, but the following are the most prevalent:
- For the wet footprint test, you must have wet feet and a level, smooth surface. If the foot is flat, the distance between the heel and the ball of the foot is greater. A foot with a high arch, on the other hand, would leave less of an imprint on the edges.
- If you have improper foot mechanics, the shoe inspection exam may reveal it. If you have flat feet, the inside of your soles, particularly at the heel, will deteriorate more quickly than usual. Additionally, the top of the shoe will slope towards the sole.
- The “too many toes” examination is performed by counting the patient’s protruding toes. In normal pronation, only the pinky toe is shown, but in excessive pronation, three or four toes can be shown.
- If your feet are flat, the tiptoe test will reveal how flexible your feet are. If your feet arch instinctively as you stand on your toes, you have rigid, flat feet. If you do not receive treatment for your stiff, flat foot, your doctor will likely recommend that you do so.
Examinations Using Imaging Technology
Your doctor may use imaging scans to determine why your foot constantly hurts. Imaging techniques include:
- X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans are the best methods for determining whether a person has arthritis and whether the angle or alignment of their foot bones has changed.
- Sonography can provide a clear image of soft tissue damage, such as a torn tendon.
- In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, or an Achilles heel injury, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal bone and soft tissue damage.
Treatment
Stability for the Feet
To alleviate the symptoms of this disease, you must first ensure that your feet are adequately supported. Orthotics are shoe inserts that provide additional support for the feet. Your physician may recommend that you try them. While their feet are still growing, children may require specially designed shoes or heel cups.
Alterations to the way people live
If you suffer from flat-footedness-related pain, altering your daily routine may be beneficial. Your doctor may recommend that you begin an exercise regimen and improve your diet in order to feel better on your feet. They may advise you to avoid activities that demand you to be on your feet for an extended period of time.
Medication
Depending on the source of the problem, you may continue to experience pain and irritation. Your physician may advise you to take medication to alleviate the pain caused by these symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Operation and plating of the ankle
Surgery is utilised after all other treatment options have failed. Your orthopaedic surgeon can recommend that you fuse your bones or joints, repair your tendons, or even give your feet an arch. If your Achilles tendon is too short, surgery can lengthen it and relieve your pain.
To get flat feet treatment in gurgaon at Saqsham Ortho, we are concerned about your well-being and work diligently to deliver superior orthopaedic care and services to each and every patient. It is our hope that you will enjoy the very best life that is attainable. Make an appointment with your child’s primary care physician as soon as possible if you have any concerns regarding any of these symptoms.
At Saqsham, we care for your well-being and strive to bring you the best orthopaedic care and solutions. If your child is experiencing any such issues and would like to get a medical opinion,
we’d suggest you book an appointment.