How do flat feet impact overall joint health. What are the common symptoms of flat feet-related pain. Which treatment options can alleviate discomfort caused by flat feet. How can proper footwear and orthotics help manage flat feet issues. What role does overpronation play in joint pain associated with flat feet. Are there any long-term complications of untreated flat feet. Can exercises and lifestyle changes improve flat feet conditions.

Understanding Flat Feet: Anatomy and Mechanics

The human foot is a complex structure, comprising 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Foot arches play a crucial role in distributing body weight and absorbing shock during movement. However, some individuals experience a condition known as flat feet, where the arch collapses, leading to potential joint pain and discomfort.

Flat feet, also referred to as pes planus or fallen arches, is a postural deformity that can be present from birth or develop over time due to aging or injury. This condition often results in the entire sole of the foot coming into contact with the ground when standing.

How can you identify flat feet?

There are two simple self-diagnostic methods to determine if you have flat feet:

1. The “wet footprint test”: Wet your feet and observe the imprint on a dry surface. A thicker imprint between the heel and ball of the foot indicates flatter feet.
2. The “shoe inspection test”: Examine your shoes for excessive wear on the inside of the soles and an inward lean of the upper over the sole.

The Connection Between Flat Feet and Joint Pain

Flat feet are often associated with excessive pronation, a condition where the foot’s arch descends downward and inward upon ground contact. This overpronation can lead to various joint-related issues throughout the body.

How does overpronation affect different joints?

• Feet and ankles: Reduced shock absorption capacity, leading to increased stress
• Knees: Inward rotation of the leg, causing misalignment and additional joint stress
• Hips: Potential misalignment due to inward leg rotation
• Lower back: Altered gait can lead to increased strain on the lower back

When walking, the force exerted on each foot can be up to five times your body weight. If your feet cannot properly absorb this shock due to flat arches, it can result in pain and discomfort throughout the kinetic chain.

Symptoms and Complications of Flat Feet

Individuals with flat feet may experience a range of symptoms that extend beyond the feet themselves. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the common symptoms of flat feet?

• Pain in the midfoot region
• Increased discomfort with physical activity
• Swelling along the inner ankle and arch
• Hip, knee, and lower back pain
• Achilles tendinitis due to overcompensation
• Shin splints

If left untreated, flat feet can lead to more severe complications, affecting not only the feet but also the overall posture and gait. This can result in chronic pain and reduced mobility over time.

Conservative Treatment Approaches for Flat Feet

In most cases, healthcare professionals recommend a conservative approach to treating flat feet and associated joint pain. Surgery is typically reserved for the most severe cases that do not respond to non-invasive treatments.

What are the main conservative treatment options for flat feet?

1. Proper footwear selection
2. Use of orthotic insoles
3. Physical therapy and targeted exercises
4. Pain management techniques
5. Lifestyle modifications

These approaches aim to provide support, alleviate pain, and improve overall foot function without resorting to surgical intervention.

The Importance of Proper Footwear in Managing Flat Feet

Selecting the right footwear is crucial in managing flat feet and reducing associated joint pain. The proper shoes can provide necessary support and help correct gait issues related to overpronation.

What features should you look for in shoes for flat feet?

• Low heels to reduce stress on knee joints
• Adequate arch support to compensate for flat arches
• Proper fit to avoid foot pain and gait issues
• Stability features to control overpronation
• Cushioning to absorb shock and reduce joint stress

Stability sneakers are often recommended for individuals with flat feet as they provide both cushioning and overpronation control. When combined with orthotic insoles, proper footwear can significantly relieve joint pain caused by flat feet.

Orthotic Solutions for Flat Feet: From Custom to Over-the-Counter Options

Orthotic insoles play a vital role in modifying foot structure and alleviating symptoms associated with flat feet. There are various options available, ranging from custom-made orthotics to over-the-counter solutions.

What types of orthotics are available for flat feet?

1. Custom orthotics: Prescribed by podiatrists, these are tailored to individual foot shapes but can be expensive and rigid.
2. Over-the-counter cushioning insoles: Affordable and widely available, but may require frequent replacement.
3. Hybrid insoles: Offer a balance between customization and affordability, with some providing adjustable support.

For those seeking a more durable and adaptable solution, hybrid insoles like SelectFlex offer benefits similar to custom orthotics at a fraction of the cost. These insoles provide adjustable support, catering to individual needs and potentially offering long-term relief from flat feet-related joint pain.

Exercise and Lifestyle Modifications for Flat Feet Management

While proper footwear and orthotics are essential, incorporating specific exercises and lifestyle changes can further improve flat feet conditions and alleviate associated joint pain.

Which exercises can help strengthen flat feet?

• Toe raises: Stand with feet hip-width apart and lift your toes off the ground, holding for a few seconds before lowering.
• Heel stretches: Stand on a step with your heels hanging off the edge, then lower your heels below the step level and hold.
• Arch lifts: While seated, press your toes into the ground and lift your arch without curling your toes.
• Tennis ball rolls: Roll a tennis ball under your foot to massage and strengthen the arch.
• Calf stretches: Perform standing calf stretches to improve ankle flexibility and reduce strain on the arch.

In addition to exercises, maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the stress on your feet and joints. Regular low-impact activities like swimming or cycling can help improve overall fitness without exacerbating flat feet symptoms.

Long-Term Management and Monitoring of Flat Feet

Managing flat feet and associated joint pain is often an ongoing process that requires consistent attention and adjustment of treatment strategies.

How can you effectively monitor and manage flat feet over time?

1. Regular check-ups with a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist
2. Periodic reassessment of footwear and orthotic needs
3. Adjusting exercise routines as foot strength and flexibility improve
4. Monitoring pain levels and addressing any new symptoms promptly
5. Staying informed about new treatment options and technologies

By maintaining vigilance and adapting your approach as needed, you can effectively manage flat feet and minimize its impact on your joint health and overall quality of life.

Innovative Technologies in Flat Feet Treatment

As medical technology advances, new solutions for managing flat feet and associated joint pain continue to emerge. These innovations offer promising alternatives to traditional treatment methods.

What are some cutting-edge treatments for flat feet?

• 3D-printed custom orthotics: Utilizing advanced scanning and printing technologies to create precisely tailored insoles.
• Smart insoles: Equipped with sensors to provide real-time feedback on gait and pressure distribution.
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques: Offering faster recovery times and reduced complications compared to traditional surgeries.
• Regenerative medicine: Exploring the use of stem cells and platelet-rich plasma to promote tissue repair in the foot.
• Virtual reality rehabilitation: Using VR technology to enhance physical therapy and gait training for individuals with flat feet.

While many of these technologies are still in development or early stages of implementation, they represent exciting possibilities for more effective and personalized flat feet management in the future.

The Impact of Flat Feet on Athletic Performance

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, flat feet can pose unique challenges that extend beyond everyday discomfort. Understanding how this condition affects athletic performance is crucial for developing appropriate training and management strategies.

How do flat feet influence various sports and physical activities?

1. Running: Increased risk of overuse injuries due to reduced shock absorption
2. Jumping sports: Potential for decreased power generation and landing stability
3. Dance and gymnastics: Challenges with balance and foot articulation
4. Weight lifting: Possible issues with proper form and weight distribution
5. Team sports: Reduced agility and quick directional changes

Athletes with flat feet may need to pay extra attention to their footwear choices, incorporating sport-specific orthotics and focusing on targeted strength and flexibility exercises to optimize their performance and reduce injury risk.

Psychological Aspects of Living with Flat Feet

While the physical implications of flat feet are well-documented, the psychological impact of this condition is often overlooked. Chronic pain and mobility limitations can significantly affect an individual’s mental well-being and quality of life.

What psychological challenges may arise from flat feet?

• Decreased self-esteem due to gait abnormalities or footwear limitations
• Anxiety about participating in physical activities or social events
• Frustration with ongoing pain management
• Depression related to chronic discomfort and lifestyle restrictions
• Body image issues stemming from foot appearance or orthotic use

Addressing these psychological aspects is an important part of comprehensive flat feet management. Mental health support, such as counseling or support groups, can be beneficial for individuals struggling with the emotional impact of their condition.

Flat Feet in Children: Early Intervention and Management

Flat feet in children require special consideration, as the condition may resolve naturally as the child grows or persist into adulthood. Early detection and appropriate management can help prevent long-term complications and ensure proper foot development.

What are the key considerations for managing flat feet in children?

1. Regular pediatric foot assessments to monitor arch development
2. Encouragement of barefoot play to strengthen foot muscles naturally
3. Use of supportive, flexible footwear that allows for normal foot growth
4. Introduction of gentle, age-appropriate foot exercises
5. Monitoring for signs of pain or discomfort during physical activities

In most cases, a conservative approach is recommended for children with flat feet, focusing on supportive measures rather than aggressive interventions. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consultation with a pediatric podiatrist may be necessary to explore more targeted treatment options.

The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Foot Health

While often overlooked, nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining overall foot health and potentially mitigating some of the issues associated with flat feet. A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can support joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair.

Which nutrients are particularly important for foot health?

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Essential for bone strength and density
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation in joints and tissues
• Vitamin C: Crucial for collagen production and tissue repair
• Magnesium: Supports muscle function and helps prevent cramping
• Protein: Necessary for tissue repair and muscle maintenance

Incorporating these nutrients into your diet through whole foods or supplements can complement other flat feet management strategies and contribute to overall foot health. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or starting new supplement regimens.

Occupational Considerations for Individuals with Flat Feet

For people with flat feet, certain occupations that require prolonged standing or walking can exacerbate symptoms and increase the risk of joint pain. Understanding these occupational challenges and implementing appropriate accommodations is crucial for maintaining productivity and comfort in the workplace.

How can individuals with flat feet manage occupational challenges?

1. Use of anti-fatigue mats in standing work areas
2. Regular breaks to sit and elevate feet
3. Implementation of job rotation to vary physical demands
4. Workplace ergonomic assessments to optimize foot and joint health
5. Use of supportive footwear specifically designed for occupational needs

Employers can play a significant role in supporting employees with flat feet by providing reasonable accommodations and promoting awareness of foot health in the workplace. This may include allowing flexible footwear policies or providing ergonomic equipment to reduce strain on the feet and lower limbs.

How can i reduce joint pain caused by flat feet | SelectFlex

The human foot has 33 joints that hold together 26 different bones and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The arches of the feet provide the spring to your step and help to distribute body weight and all its compressive forces across your feet and legs. The structure of the foot arch determines how a person walks and needs to be both sturdy and flexible.

Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, is a postural deformity that occurs when the arch of the foot collapses and comes into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. This condition may occur at the time of birth or develop over time as a result of aging or injury. Flat feet can usually be self-diagnosed, either by the “wet footprint test” or the “shoe inspection test.” Simply wet your feet and look at the wet imprint of your foot. The thicker the imprint between the heel and ball of the foot, the flatter the foot. By contrast, a high arch foot will only show your heel and the top part of your foot near your toes.

Similarly, if you inspect your shoes and see more wear on the inside of the soles, that would be evidence of flat feet. The shoe’s upper will also tend to lean inward over the sole as a result of the faulty foot mechanics. Flat feet are typically associated with excessive pronation of the foot. Overpronation occurs when the arch of the foot descends downward and inward as the foot strikes the ground. This overpronation causes the foot to be less able to absorb shock, placing greater stress on the feet, ankles, and knees.

If you are having problems with shin splints, back pain, your knees, or hips, you may want to consider looking at your feet as the cause. When you walk, you put as much as five times your body weight in force on each foot. If your foot doesn’t absorb that shock properly, it can cause other problems, and is why people with flat feet typically experience pain in the midfoot region.

If you have flat feet, your foot will tend to roll inward as you walk. That extra motion can create other stresses further up your legs. This pain tends to increase with activity and may also present swelling along the inner ankle and arch, as well as hip, knee, and lower back pain. Flat feet can also lead to tendinitis in your Achilles tendon because that tendon must over-compensate when you push off with your feet.

Overpronation can put unnecessary stress on your knees. When your foot over-pronates, your leg rotates inward causing the knee to flex and extend while pointing inward. This is not the normal direction for the knee and puts additional stress on the joint. Overpronation can also affect the hip joints. When the foot pronates, the leg rotates inward and the hip joints can become misaligned. This condition puts additional stress on the hip and on the entire leg muscles.

The treatment for flat feet, and joint pain associated with having flat feet, can vary. Physicians typically recommend a conservative approach, with surgery reserved for only the most server cases.

PROPER FOOTWEAR

Healthy footwear can play a significant role in reducing flat foot causing knee pain and hip pain associated with flat feet. High heels increase the risk of knee joint degeneration so try to always wear low-heeled shoes. However, flat shoes also need to be carefully considered as many do not provide adequate arch support and that can cause flat feet knee pain, hip pain, and back pain.

When shopping for footwear, take the time to find a proper-fitting shoe as tight shoes can create foot pain and oversized shoes can affect your gait. Stability sneakers provide cushioning and help control over pronation. If knee and hip pain are due to poor foot mechanics, then proper footwear along with orthotic insoles can be a very effective way to relieve joint pain.

ORTHOTIC INSOLES

People with persistent or severe joint pain symptoms caused by flat feet may benefit from orthotic arch supports. Orthotic supports are used to modify the structure of your foot. While there are companies that manufacture custom corrective shoes, these are usually quite expensive. Similarly, custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist can also be costly and many people find them to be very rigid and uncomfortable.

If your condition is not too severe, you may get relief from the many different cushioning insoles sold at your local pharmacy. Just remember to replace them once their supporting cushioning becomes worn down as they will no longer be helpful. If your condition is a bit more severe or you are looking for a durable product that will not degrade quickly like foam or gel inserts, you may want to try a hybrid insole, like SelectFlex. SelectFlex gives you all the benefits of expensive custom orthotics at a fraction of the cost, and the adjustability feature of SelectFlex allows you to customize the level of arch support that your unique condition requires.

FOOT STRETCHES

There are many stretching exercises you can do to increase arch flexibility and strength and can be very helpful for people suffering from the side effects of flat feet. You can strengthen the intrinsic muscles in the foot by picking up marbles with your toes, stacking items with your toes, and writing numbers in the sand with your big toe. To stretch the plantar fascia ligament thereby improving arch flexibility and alleviating aches and pains, roll a golf ball forward and back under the arch of the foot, while seated. A runner’s stretch is also great to lengthen the calf muscle and Achilles tendon, both of which can cause pronation when tight.

OTHER TREATMENTS

Other exercises and therapeutic massage may also help with arch flexibility and pain relief. The downward dog yoga pose is great for lengthening and strengthening calf muscles and Achilles tendons. Heel cord stretching is a great exercise to stretch the Achilles tendon and posterior calf muscles, as a tight Achilles tendon will encourage the foot to roll inward.

Doctors may advise some people to rest until their symptoms improve and to avoid activities that could aggravate their condition. When obesity is the cause of flat feet, losing weight may improve the symptoms.

Know when to seek help from a medical professional. When pain is severe and interferes with your daily activities, it’s time to see the doctor for a thorough examination and treatment. If needed, flat foot surgery can provide permanent relief and may even create an arch where none existed. The surgical solution will ultimately be based upon your age, your exact symptoms, and the nature of your structural deformity.

Flat Feet Could Be the Cause of Your Back, Hip, and Knee Pain: Roderick C. Hunter Jr., DPM, MS: Foot & Ankle Specialist

Flat Feet Could Be the Cause of Your Back, Hip, and Knee Pain: Roderick C. Hunter Jr., DPM, MS: Foot & Ankle Specialist

For such small appendages, your feet carry an enormous amount of responsibility when it comes to your support, mobility, and balance. To do their job right, there’s very little room for error, which means that even the smallest problem can have a widespread impact. Such can often be the case with a seemingly benign condition — flat feet.

Here at Hunter Foot & Ankle Associates, our goal is to help our patients in Plano, Texas, make their way through the world with the least amount of problems. By their very geography, your feet are ground zero, providing the critical foundation for the rest of your musculoskeletal structure.

Unfortunately, when something doesn’t present itself according to design in your feet, you’re left grappling with problems that can travel up through your major joints, including your ankles, knees, and hips, even reaching your back.

Here’s a look at why flat feet may be behind your back, hip, and knee pain, and what we can do about it.

Flat feet 101

The term flat feet means that you lack arch support in your feet. When you’re born, your feet are flat and your arches develop as you grow. In some cases, these arches never take shape, leaving you with flat feet.

On the other end of the age spectrum, flat feet can develop as you get older. After years of wear-and-tear, the tendons that support your feet can begin to weaken, causing your arches to fall.

For many people, flat feet don’t pose any serious problems, and people learn to work around the issue as their bodies compensate for the absence of arch support. For others, however, flat feet lead to painful problems in their feet and ankles, which can have an effect on distant joints and their backs.

Your thighbone is connected to your hip bone

If you’re familiar with that childhood song about the parts of the body and how they’re connected, we have to admit that this cute little diddy speaks the truth quite plainly. Your musculoskeletal system is a fully integrated structure, and each section is connected by joints, sometimes very small ones, and sometimes rather large ones, like your hips and knees.

Since joints are where bones come together, any bone that comes in at an angle can offset the entire function of the joint. And this is exactly what flat feet can do. When you don’t have arch support, your feet tend to roll inward, causing overpronation. When your feet roll in, it affects your gait and places excessive stress on your ankles and knees.

Now think about the directions your joints move — your ankles can roll in many directions, but your knees are made to bend forward and back, not side-to-side. When you overpronate, your knees are forced in a direction they’re not designed for.

As your knees are forced together because of flat feet, the impact may travel on up to your hips, which need to compensate for the poor positioning of your knees.

And on it goes until it reaches your low back. Poor positioning of the major joints in your lower body ultimately reach your back and may cause dull, nagging pain. And it all started with flat feet.

Rising up

If you’re experiencing pain in your knees, hips, and back, and you have flat feet, we need to take a good, hard look to see if the two problems are related. If we find that your flat feet are the likely cause behind your joint pain, we can take action with custom orthotics, which make up for the loss of arch support by providing an outside source.

Through orthotics, we can raise up your arches, causing everything in your lower body to line up more accurately.

To learn more about the effect that flat feet can have on your knees, hips, and back, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or use the online booking tool on this website to set up an appointment.

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Knowing When to Seek Professional Help to Deal with Foot Pain

If your feet frequently feel tired and achy, something simple like ill-fitting shoes may be the culprit, or you could have a foot problem that requires medical attention. Seeing a professional is the only way to know for sure.

5 Steps for Preventing a Plantar Fasciitis Flare-up

More than 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis every year in the United States. If you want to avoid being one of them, here are some steps you can take.

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5 Healthy Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

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Welcome to Our New Blog!

Welcome to Hunter Foot & Ankle Associates, the office of Dr. Roderick Hunter. We excited to showcase our new website and blog. More information to come…

Therapy of flat feet – in Voronezh

Flat feet: causes, symptoms, treatment

Deformation changes in the foot with flattening of the arch are called “flat feet”. In a healthy person, the sole is not all in contact with the floor surface, there is an elevated area in which a transverse and longitudinal arch are distinguished. Its main purpose is depreciation during movement. Flat feet, the treatment of which is required from the moment of detection, can cause various diseases, increased fatigue.

Types and causes of pathology

There are several sources of flatfoot development:

• congenital type – registered in 3% of patients, associated with malformations of intrauterine development;
• rickets – refers to complications of rickets, causing softness of bone tissue;
• paralytic – deformation changes occur with partial or absolute paralysis of the muscles, as a consequence of the transferred poliomyelitis;
• traumatic – formed after fractures in the ankle or foot;
• statistical – is formed when wearing second-hand second-hand shoes, due to congenital structural features of the feet, obesity, age-related changes, weakened ligamentous-muscular apparatus.

There are four stages of the disease:

• prodromal;
• intermittent;
• flat;
• flat-valgus.

At the initial stages, patients do not pay attention to changes in the form of a decrease in the level of endurance, discomfort in the muscle tissues of the lower leg in a statistical position or during long walks.

Clinical signs and complications

The main symptoms of the disease include:

• pain – in the leg, lower back, spine when running, walking or standing;
• swelling of the feet and legs in the evening, feeling of heaviness;
• quick damage to shoes – easily determined by heels;
• increase in foot size – old shoes become small due to flat feet;
• rapid fatigue of the muscles of the lower extremities.

Signs of transverse flatfoot include:

• foot flattening;
• deviation of the thumb to the outside, the formation of a bone outgrowth;
• formation of corns on the inside of the sole;
• deformation of the fingers in the form of a hammer.

The lack of treatment for flat feet leads to the development of complications:

• against ingrown nails;
• curvature of the spinal column, toes;
• gait disorders, clubfoot;
• acute pain along the length of the lower limb;
• the formation of heel spurs and calluses.

Complications of flat feet require long-term treatment.

Methods of therapy and prevention

There are two options for getting rid of flat feet: conservative and surgical treatment. The first type includes:

• permanent wearing of orthopedic products – insoles or special footwear;
• massage sessions, physiotherapy exercises;
• physiotherapy procedures, use of adhesive bandages.

In the absence of the expected effect in the fight against flat feet, surgical treatment is prescribed. Prevention of the development of pathology is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• patients should periodically walk barefoot on sand, small pebbles, or use special rugs at home that mimic natural surfaces;
• shoes must fit the size of the foot, do not cause discomfort when worn, it is necessary to avoid wearing other people’s shoes and boots;
• constantly monitor body weight, do gymnastic exercises for the feet daily;
• monitor posture and treat its deviations;
• after long walks or physical exertion, give the legs a rest;
• to carry out an independent foot massage, acting on reflex points.

The implementation of the recommendations will avoid flat feet and the need for its treatment.

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Longitudinal and transverse flat feet – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Nature always expediently gives organisms one or another form of an organ as the most optimal for performing the complex of movements that is performed by a living organism. This also applies to the shape of the human foot. The human foot is a highly specialized structure, made up of 26 different bones, 33 joints, over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. And all these structures somehow participate in the formation of the arch of the foot. The task of the arch of the foot is to perform a supporting function and distribute the weight of the body over the surface of the foot. The structure of the foot is elastic enough to allow a person to move smoothly, but at the same time strong enough to withstand heavy loads. Most people have a gap under the arch of the foot when a person is in a standing position. The arch of the foot, or the inside of the foot, is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet either have no arch at all or have very low arches.

The foot normally has two arches – longitudinal (along the foot along the medial edge) and transverse (located under the bases of the fingers). All types of flat feet are divided into longitudinal flat feet (reduction of the longitudinal arch of the foot) and transverse flat feet (flattening of the transverse arch). The foot, therefore, can increase both in width and in length. With combined flat feet there is a decrease in both the transverse and longitudinal arch of the foot. The most common is transverse flatfoot. Flat feet is a condition in which the longitudinal arch descends and the entire sole touches the ground.

The feet of people with flat feet may twist to the inside, while standing and walking, and as a result, the feet of the feet may bulge outward.

A significant proportion of people with flat feet do not experience pain and have no problems with their feet. However, some may experience pain in the legs, especially if there is associated ligament and muscle tension. The knee joints can also be a source of pain. If the ankles turn inward due to flat feet, then the asymmetry can have a damaging effect on the feet, ankles, knee joints. In some people, flat feet occur due to a congenital malformation of the foot, while in others, flat feet occur as they age and develop involutional changes or after pregnancy.

Every day people around the world are born with flat feet . Many of them are quite active, go in for sports (running, football), do hard work. Thus, the question arises how some people with flat feet feel great and lead an active lifestyle, while others experience discomfort and pain in their legs. First of all, it is necessary to understand the operation of normal feet and feet with flat feet . During walking, the foot usually flattens out a little so that it can absorb the load vector and distribute it over the supporting surface of the foot. A straightened or pronated foot is quite flexible. The location of the bones of the foot essentially exposes the foot. Conversely, when the foot has a higher arch or is in a supinated position, the foot is locked and inactive and poorly absorbs the load and is less firmly attached to the surface when the foot pronates.

Since flat feet are structurally weaker, this leads to chronic muscle tension as the muscles try to keep the feet in a stable position. For people who have always had flat feet, the muscles are most likely very well adapted to normal activity levels. However, when the load on the muscles or the intensity of the load increases, this can lead to the appearance of pain. A decrease in the stability of the foot naturally increases the displacement of the medial (inner) part of the foot.

When the leg flattens excessively, it can cause internal rotation of the tibia. Naturally, there is also a disposition of the femur and a change in movement in the hip joint. So, ultimately, excessive or increased movement towards the flattening of the foot can lead to the formation of pain from the foot to the hip and even in the lower back.

Therefore, it must be clearly defined whether the foot itself is the cause of leg rotation or whether there are other causes. Just as a flat foot can lead to rotation of the lower extremity, rotation of the hip can in turn lead to flattening of the foot. And only a thorough examination, including gait analysis, allows you to accurately diagnose and decide on treatment tactics.

Symptoms

Most often, the patient does not experience any sensations, only a certain disturbance in gait, which may be noted by others or the doctor. The main symptom is ankle pain, which may increase after exercise. There may also be swelling in the ankle area. Symptoms can vary and usually depend on the severity of the flatfoot. Some of them have an uneven distribution of body weight and a person may notice that the heel of the shoe wears out faster on one side than on the other. Most common symptoms of flat feet are:

• Ankle pain (inner side), there may also be swelling
• Foot pain
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Calf pain
• Pain in the knee area
• Pain in the thigh.
• Back pain
• Patients with flat feet may also experience stiffness in one or both legs.
• One or both feet may be placed flat on the ground.
• Uneven shoe wear.

Causes

• Genetic determinism.
• A weak arch of the foot may not be a concern while the person is sitting, but as soon as he gets to his feet, he may fall.
• Trauma
• Arthritis of the ankle joint
• Posterior tibial tendon rupture
• Pregnancy
• Diseases of the nervous system or muscles – such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.
• Tarsal fusion can cause hardening and flat feet. Most often diagnosed in childhood.
• Diabetes
• Age changes. Long-term loads (running, jumping, walking) can have negative consequences. One possible consequence could be flat feet. The tibialis posterior tendon may become weak after repeated microtearing. The tibialis posterior tendon is the main supporting structure of the arch of the foot. The tendon can become inflamed (tendonitis) after exercise or even tear. After injury to the tendon, the arch of the foot may flatten.

The presence of flat feet in childhood is not a pathology, since the formation of the foot ends with the end of the formation of the musculoskeletal system. In other words, the presence of flat feet in childhood does not mean at all that flat feet will remain in an adult. People with a low arch or no arch at all may not experience any problems until a certain time.

Diagnosis

People who have flat feet may not experience any symptoms and may not see an orthopedic doctor. However, if there are certain signs, such as a visually flat foot, pain in the foot, ankles or lower limbs, a feeling of tension in the legs, heaviness in the legs, especially after exercise, then you need to consult an orthopedist.

Diagnosis of flat feet is not difficult for a qualified physician, who can make such a diagnosis based on the examination of the patient. The doctor will evaluate the person’s gait, the location of the foot to the surface, and evaluate the functional state of each leg.

In some cases, the doctor may order X-ray, CT or MRI, especially if it is necessary to determine the cause of flat feet. Podography also gives a good result, which allows you to assess the degree of flat feet .

Treatment

Some patients with flat feet will adapt to the change in the arch of the foot and in such cases no treatment is required.

Foot pain caused by flat feet can be greatly minimized with well-fitting shoes.

Ready-made or custom-made orthopedic insoles can largely compensate for the lowering of the arch of the foot, and can reduce both the load on the foot and reduce the violation of the biomechanics of movement.

Patients with tibialis posterior tendonitis may benefit from orthotic inserts that reduce stress on the tendon.

Wearing ankle braces helps patients with tendinitis reduce inflammation in the tendon.

Reducing the load on the foot also reduces foot discomfort.

For tendon rupture or arthritis, a combination of NSAIDs and orthopedic insoles is possible, but if conservative treatment is not effective, then surgical treatment may be required in such cases.

In the presence of congenital anomalies in the development of the foot, surgical treatment may also be prescribed, especially if there is a fusion of the bones of the foot.

Weight loss in obesity reduces the load on the foot and significantly reduces pain.

As a rule, with flat feet caused by degenerative changes, surgical treatment is not required, but if there is a pronounced pain syndrome, then surgical operations are possible – arthrodesis, removal of bone growths, change in the shape of the bone (osteotomy), cleansing of tendons from membranes (synovectomy) , tendon plasty using autografts, reconstructive operations on bone tissue.