Orthopaedics

What is Flat feet?

Flat feet also known as ‘Fallen Arches’. People with flat feet have either no arch in their feet or an arch that is very low. Flat feet are characterized by no arch; the complete soul of your foot either touches or nearly touches the ground when standing. All babies have flat feet at birth. Arches typically form by age 6. About two out of 10 children still have flat feet as adults. Some adults have arches that collapse. This condition, fallen arches, is another term for flatfoot.

Flat feet are not a problem for most people. If flat feet cause pain or other problems, treatments can help.

What are the causes of Flat Feet?

• As the child grows, arches form in the feet. Some children have high arches and some children have relatively low or nearly no arches. However, flat feet in children occur due to many other reasons. These include:
• Achille’s tendon injuries.
• Broken bones.
• Cerebral palsy.
• Diabetes.
• Down syndrome.
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the symptoms of Flat Feet?

Children with flatfeet do not experience any pain. Parents might be concerned upon finding out that their child has flat feet but normally it is not a matter of concern except in severe cases where a child have rigid feet and is causing pain and discomfort. If the treatment is not given to the child, it can convert into a more serious condition. This problem, called tarsal coalition, causes pain during activities. However, in serious cases of flat feet, the patient might feel the following symptoms:

• Leg cramps.
• Muscle pain (aching or fatigue) in the foot or leg.
• Pain in the arch, ankle, heel or outside of the foot.
• Pain when walking or changes in your gait (how you walk).
• Toe drift (front part of the foot and toes point outward).

How are Flat Feet diagnosed?

Children with flat feet who do not experience any pain, or any other symptom do not have to consult a doctor. However, if the child is experiencing the following symptoms, they might need to see a doctor.

• Flat feet that have only developed recently.
• Pain the feet, ankles, or lower limbs.
• Symptoms that do not improve with supportive, well-fitted shoes.
• One or both feet becoming more flat
• The feet feeling rigid, stiff, heavy, and unwieldy

Most qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose fallen arches by examining the feet and observing the individual as they stand and walk.

The doctor will inspect the feet from the front and back. The individual may need to stand on the tips of their toes to allow the doctor to examine the shape and function of each foot.

A doctor will also look at the person’s medical history. In some cases, they may order an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI scan.

How are Flat Feet treated?

Many people with flat feet do not have significant problems or need treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments if you experience foot pain, stiffness, or other issues. Rarely, people need surgery to fix rigid flat feet or problems with bones or tendons.

Treatments include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest and ice to ease inflammation and pain.
• Physical therapies to stretch and strengthen tight tendons and muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
• Supportive devices like foot orthotics, foot or leg braces and custom-made shoes.
• Surgery is not required for this condition but in severe cases of rigid flat feet, a surgery has to b performed before the complete bone development in a child.

Recovery Period for Flat Feet:

In case of a surgery, physiotherapy for several weeks will be required before returning to daily life activities. However, to make the process of recovery easier, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor.

Call us Now to Book an Appointment with us!