What are flat feet?
If you have flat feet, it means the full underside of your foot makes contact with the ground instead of forming an arch to support the center of your foot.
There are two types of flat feet:
Flexible flat feet
If you have flexible flat feet, it means that when you're not bearing weight, your arches look normal. They only flatten when you stand up.
Rigid flat feet
With rigid flat feet, your arches have no curvature and are permanently flat.
Flat feet can cause pain and problems with mobility because of changes in the structures that make up your foot. As your feet have to carry the weight of your entire body, these changes can have a significant effect not just on your feet, but your knees, hips, and spine, too.
What causes flat feet?
You can be born with flat feet or develop adult acquired flat feet due to posterior tibial dysfunction (damage to a tendon in your foot). Other causes and aggravating factors include:
- Pronation (excessive inward rolling of your feet)
- Overuse or excessive stress
- Unsupportive footwear
- Arthritis
- Acute injuries
- Obesity
If your child has flat feet, addressing the problem early by consulting with the Toetal Podiatry team can help them avoid having flat feet as an adult.
What are the treatments for flat feet?
Nonsurgical treatments that can help with flat feet include:
- Achilles tendon exercises
- Physical therapy
- Applying ice packs or cooling gel
- Custom orthotics
- Losing weight
- Anti-inflammatory medication
Custom orthotics are particularly effective for many people who have flat feet. These insoles are made to your specific requirements, providing your feet with optimal support.
As well as designing orthotics for adult patients, the Toetal Podiatry team works closely with a pediatric orthotist to craft devices specifically tailored to each child.
Would I need surgery for flat feet?
If conservative treatments aren't relieving your symptoms, the Toetal Podiatry team offers surgical options, including:
Fusions
Fusion surgery permanently joins bones in the foot joints to stabilize your feet and give you more support.
Tendon correction
In this procedure, your provider moves tendons in your feet from one bone to another to correct abnormalities.
Implants
A newer approach to flat feet surgery is to insert an implant into your foot to prevent the arch from flattening.
The Toetal Podiatry team can advise you on the most suitable option for your flat feet after performing a biomechanical exam and examining X-rays of your feet.
Find out more about relieving the symptoms of flat feet by calling Toetal Podiatry today, or you can book an appointment online.
