Flat Feet and Fallen Arches
Flat foot or fallen arch is usually not a cause of concern since most are asymptomatic and produce little or no pain. This only becomes a health concern when it is a symptom of a foot injury or when it makes simple activities such as walking or standing difficult.
Flat foot is normally seen in babies and children. But this disappear and regain their normal form as the feet develops. Flat foot happens when the middle of the feet fails to form an arch when standing. It can cause pain or discomfort because it interferes with how the feet normally distributes weight load over different feet structures.
Do you have flat foot or fallen arch?
Pain in the heel and arches
Swelling at the middle of the feet, this is where the arch should form
Pain felt when standing and disappears when the foot is rested
Feet that easily tire
Pain is a clear indication that something in the foot is wrong. This should be consulted with a podiatrist especially when pain becomes chronic.
Possible causes of Fallen Arches
Flat foot or fallen arch can be due to a foot injury. Tendons and ligaments are responsible for moving various foot muscles. An injury to one of this interferes with how the foot arches when standing. Overweight problems can also the feet to collapse. This is because the feet is unable to support the added weight. It is also why flat foot is common among pregnant women.
Flat Foot Management and Treatment
A majority of flat foot suffers do not require medical intervention. This is because flat foot do not cause chronic pain or discomfort. Treatments are mainly used to treat pain and can be done by using pain medication. It can also be relieved by resting the feet or applying cold compress to reduce swelling in the area.
In rare cases, surgeries can be used to treat the underlying cause of flat foot. If this is due to a foot abnormality or a serious injury then surgery is performed to repair damaged tendons or tissues.
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.