Flat feet— also known as fallen arches— affect many people. While many live without symptoms, many experience discomfort as a result of these fallen arches. Luckily, there are many treatments that can be used to relieve this discomfort, from simple exercises to orthopedic solutions. Visit your local foot and ankle clinic, Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute to find the solution that helps you!
Flat Footed? What You Should Know
Some people have been flat footed their entire life. Some develop it later on. Some experience pain, some do not. Some need custom insoles, some can be relieved through basic exercises. Where do you stand? Celebration Orthopaedic lays out all you need to know about flattened feet.
What Do Arches Do?
A flat foot means that your foot has no arch or a very low arch. Foot arches provide stability and flexibility to your gait, allowing you to distribute your body weight evenly and adapt to a number of terrains as you walk. Those with flattened feet may hold their body weight in a way that rolls their feet inward, toes pointing outward. Often this causes pain, and sometimes even leads to (or indicates) other painful conditions.
Symptoms
- Foot, knee, and hip pain (as a result of strained muscles)
- Stiff feet
- Swelling in the arch, calf, knee, hip, or lower back
Causes
There are a variety of causes that lead to flattened feet. Common causes include:
- Genetics
- Weak arches
- Injury
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Damage or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon
- Nervous system of muscular disease
Some people are also born with flat feet, while others develop it over time. The intensity of your symptoms and the cause of your flattened feet will indicate the severity of your condition.
Solutions
There are certain exercises and treatments that can be done to help relieve your pain (and any accompanying conditions).
Exercises include heel cord stretching and the golf ball roll. These are designed to stretch certain tendons and ligaments in your feet and calves so that your feet are less likely to roll inward.
Other treatment options can include wide-fitted shoes, insoles sculpted just to your feet to promote arch support, an ankle brace, or occasionally, surgery.
Treat Your Flat Feet at Celebration Orthopaedic
Before trying any of these solutions, make sure to consult a doctor to find the most effective solution.
At Celebration Orthopaedic, our very own Dr. Britt is devoted to providing comprehensive, personalized treatment
of the foot and ankle, utilizing the most advanced techniques to provide care
for traumatic injuries including fractures, dislocations, ankle
sprains/strains, infections, wounds, and ulcers.
Get the help you need from a professional orthopedic foot and ankle clinic!
Contact Our Foot and Ankle Clinic
Ease the pain caused by flat feet with the help of Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute! We’ve helped many patients throughout central Florida find the root of their pain and given them ways to conquer it. Give us a call to set up an appointment and get back on your feet in no time!