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Everything You Need To Know About A Flat Foot, The Causes & Its Treatment

Akanksha Bhatia  |  Aug 13, 2019
Everything You Need To Know About A Flat Foot, The Causes & Its Treatment

People who suffer from a flat foot have either no arch in the curve of their foot or one that is very little. In hindsight, this means that one or both of this person’s feet could be flat on the ground. Medically, this condition is called pes planus or fallen arches and is a postural deformity that could cause your foot to make complete or almost complete contact with the ground. The arch in your foot is meant to help evenly distribute your body weight across your feet and legs, which is why these arches determine how a person walks and moves. Now, if you have a flat foot then you are more likely to roll your feet towards the inner side, especially when you’re walking or standing.

How Can I Diagnose My Flat Foot?

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If the arch on your feet is too little or non-existent then you must visit the doctor about the same. The doctor will then view the mechanics of your feet and prescribe a pair of shoes or flat foot exercises to help the discomfort. The most common flat foot problems include the pain you experience around your heel and ankle. You could also have possible swelling in the arch of your foot and lower frequent backaches.https://www.popxo.com/2019/05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-metatarsal-foot-pads/

What Causes A Flat Foot?

The most common cause of a flat foot is the genetic factors, as flat feet can pass on from a parent to the children. Some people even suffer from weak arches, which means that even though they weren’t born with this condition, the arch of their foot is visible when they sit but flattens as soon as they stand or apply pressure.  

Causes of flat foot also include a foot or ankle injury or a case of arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. If there is any damage, dysfunction, or rupture caused in the posterior tibial tendon (which goes along your heel and ankle), you may suffer from flat foot. The condition can also be caused by the harm done to the nervous system or muscle diseases, such as cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Having A Flat Foot?

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The most common disadvantage of a flat foot is the pain and rigid feeling of stiffness that accompanies it along the heel and ankle. A flat foot can also cause disbalance amongst some people due to the uneven distribution of weight, making you more susceptible to falls and injuries around your ankle. Since a flat foot also alters the way you walk, it could result in problems with your posture and pain along your neck, back, knee, hip and feet. Weight-bearing exercises like hiking and running can often worsen the symptoms if you aren’t wearing the right shoes or arch supporters.

Can Flat Foot Be Treated?

A flat foot can be treated in various different ways, sometimes wearing the right shoes can make all the difference and in other cases, doctors give a series of flat foot exercises to help the patient.

Flat foot Exercises

Flat Foot Shoes

When it comes to picking the right flat foot shoe, you need to look for three things, provide cushioning, control pronation (help balance the feet in a neutral position) and reduce the friction of the foot within the shoe. In some cases the doctor might recommend arch support insoles or custom orthotic devices that can be inserted into your normal shoes, this depends on the condition of your flat foot. Here are some basic tips that will help you pick the right shoes for your flat foot: 

Flat foot can be dealt with easily and will not hinder your everyday activities like running, jogging and playing sports if you deal with it in the right manner. All you need is a good pair of insoles and shoes that love you and then there is nothing you can’t do.

Also Read Home Remedies To Get Clean Feet

https://popxo.com/article/flat-shoes-that-are-bad-for-your-feet

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