Flat feet is a structural deformity of the foot, one that is very common among people nowadays. Flat feet are caused when the natural arches in our feet weaken, the instep of the foot is loosened, and it comes in contact with the ground. This collapse of the arches can often result in painful consequences such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and ankle pain. The instep is also termed as the longitudinal arch, and in children it is not fully developed. For some people, the arches never fully develop, or it happens only in one foot.

Symptoms Of Flat Feet

Young children may not be able to identify flat feet, so parents need to keep an eye on their gait. It is common for some children with flat feet to walk oddly or limp. They may even suffer from chronic foot pain or general leg pain. Flat feet in adults may be the result of an injury, prolonged foot stress, illness, faulty biomechanics, excess weight, or simply due to aging. It can also affect pregnant women temporarily due to the production of more elastin. Some people have a condition called flexible flatfoot, where the person looks flatfooted only in full standing position, and not when the person dorsiflexes (movement to decrease the angle between the foot and leg). Not all flat-footed people suffer from conditions such as plantar fasciitis involving heel pain and overall leg pain, but if the condition is severe, then the entire lower body can be affected, including the hips and lower back. Common complications resulting from flat feet include plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, inflammation and Achilles tibial tendinitis.

Flat Feet: What Causes Them?

Some experts believe flat feet are largely a result of heredity. However there are other causes as well, such as excess weight, ruptured tendons, spina bifida, or even muscular dystrophy. Tarsal coalition, which is often found in children, is a kind of flat foot disease. This condition is painful, and can lead to severe ankle pain. It occurs when two or more bones in the foot fuse together, and can cause foot pain to become a part of your life, unless properly treated.

Fallen arches are also known to cause flat feet. Wear and tear is said to loosen the tendon which supports the arches of your feet. This weakens the shape of your arches, and you develop flat feet. An injury which causes inflammation and damages the arches of the foot may also cause this condition.

Treatment Of Flat Feet

If your feet give you cause for worry, it is important that you consult with a foot care specialist, also known as a podiatrist. After undergoing basic tests, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicine, orthotic insoles, and in severe cases, corrective surgery.

Normal flat feet which are flexible and cause minimal discomfort can be treated without a doctor's prescription. On the other hand, if you complain of chronic foot pain or ankle pain, you may need arch supports to aid your feet. Orthotic nsoles and arch supports have been especially created to provide support for feet that suffer from biomechanical misalignment. Foot exercises are also helpful, and can be done at home, or under the supervision of a podiatrist. Muscular foot training is helpful for young children as the foot is still growing. There are chances that the arch may develop. However, this may not result in higher arches for adults.

Flat feet in most cases are not very serious conditions and can be easily treated. On the other hand, extreme cases may require consultation with a podiatrist in order to provide adequate treatment.