FLAT FEET - CAUSES AND TREATMENT

A common problem where the inner arch of your foot collapses when you stand or walk. An abnormally flat arch can put extreme amounts of stress on the different bones, joints, ligaments, fascia and tendons of the feet. An inability to compensate for these stresses can result in foot and ankle problems such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, knee pain, hip and low back pain.

Common reasons why you have flat feet

Being flat footed is determined at a young age. The majority of flat feet have undergone abnormal bone rotation in our feet resulting in poor biomechanics. If you don’t remembering having flat feet as a kid, you may have a problem known as adult acquired flat foot. Adult acquired flat foot appears later in life and is the result of weakened muscles and tendons that support the arch of our feet.

There are other important factors that contribute to flat feet. Obesity, pregnancy or repetitive pounding on a hard surface can weaken the arch leading to over-pronation. Often people with flat feet don’t experience discomfort immediately, and some never suffer from any discomfort at all. However, when symptoms develop and become painful, walking becomes difficult and causes increased strain on the feet, ankles, knees and back.

What can happen if you don’t support flat feet?

Prevention is the optimal solution for flat feet. Waiting too long before address poor biomechanics can lead to various foot and ankle problems. In more severe cases, knee, hip and low back pains can be common. If your unsure that you have flat feet, seek the advice of a Chiropodist or Podiatrist to find out.

What you can do if you have flat feet?

Wearing appropriate footwear and having arch supports (either custom or off-the-shelf) will help with most flat foot related problems. Exercising and stretching the muscles and tendons is also important. If you’re not sure what shoes are best for you, come in and see our Chiropodist to get some recommendations. Most footwear should generally have a firm heel counter, rigid shank, torsional stability (to help stop your foot from deforming the shoe). Arch supports will provide additional support inside your shoes to allow the feet to function efficiently. Deciding between custom made and over-the-counter will depend on how severe your flat feet are.

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic.