Flat Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
The bottom of a typical adult foot has an upward curve on the inner side. This is called the arch, and it is formed when tendons (tight, soft tissue that connects muscles and bones) work together to make that shape. When everything is working together as it should, a moderate arch is created, effectively assisting the foot in supporting the body's weight and absorbing the shock of walking. Sometimes, however, that delicate natural construction fails and a person is left with a condition that doctors call pes planus, which you probably know better as flatfoot or fallen arches.
There are two kinds of flatfoot: flexible and rigid. Flexible flatfoot describes a situation in which the arch flattens when standing or walking but returns when the foot is lifted off the ground. In rigid flatfoot, the arch disappears completely, regardless of the position of the foot.
Numerous causes can create flat feet in adults, including:
congenital abnormality (anatomical variation present from birth)
over-stretched, damaged, inflamed, or torn tendons
bones that have suffered fracture, dislocation, or other traumatic injury
chronic health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis
nerve damage
pregnancy
obesity
Patients with flat feet often report that their feet fatigue or become uncomfortable easily, or that they often ache, especially at the arches and the heels. You should also be alert to swelling, difficulty moving, or pain in the legs, hips, or back, which may be a result of compensating during standing or walking. Your podiatrist has a variety of treatment options available including custom orthotics, which offer cushioning and support, making it more comfortable to wear shoes and engage in activities.
There's an easy at-home test for flat feet that you can perform yourself:
Get your feet wet.
Step on to a pad of newspaper or another flat surface where your footprint will show.
Step off and look at the prints. The print should disappear for a stretch along the inner edge of your foot. If you see complete prints, you may be dealing with pes planus.
If you suspect that you have developed pes planus, the first thing to do is to schedule a visit with your podiatrist. With decades of specialized education and experience, your podiatrist is the best man or woman to offer treatment.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.