A Flat Foot in a person is described as the absence of an arch in the foot when in a standing position. All newborns have flat feet. In early childhood, arches develop. If arches do not develop, or if they cave in later in life (fallen arches), causing painful flat feet and impeding walking. Dr. Sandeep Singh, an orthopedic doctor in Bhubaneshwar, explains this unexplained pain in your foot, legs, and hips too. Stretching exercises and orthotics can be beneficial.
Dr. Sandeep Singh is an orthopedic surgeon among many of the best orthopedic doctors in Bhubaneshwar.
What is a flat foot?
A flat foot in a person is described as the absence of an arch in the foot when in a standing position. Typically, the foot’s arch is not visible; however, the arch can sometimes be seen when the foot is lifted. The foot soles make contact with the ground during standing.
Every infant is born with flat feet. Typically, arches develop at age 6. 20% of these babies continue to have flat feet well into adulthood, says Dr. Sandeep. A few of the adults develop collapsible arches. This ailment, falling arches, is synonymous with flatfoot.
Most people have no issues with flat feet. If flat feet create discomfort or other complications, there are therapeutic options available.
Categories of Flat Feet:
Having persistently flat feet or developing flat feet as an adult might be problematic. Only the best orthopedic doctor in India can help you heal your flat foot problem, whichever category it falls under. The varieties of the flat foot:
- Vertical Talus: Some infants are born with vertical talus, a birth abnormality (congenital disability) that hinders the formation of arches. Incorrect positioning of the talus bone in the ankle. The bottom of the foot is reminiscent of the base of a rocking chair. Rock-bottom foot is another name for vertical talus.
- Flexible: The most prevalent type of flat foot is one that is flexible. When you’re not standing, the arches in your feet are noticeable. When pressure increases on the feet, the arches disappear. Flexible flat foot onsets in the developmental years. This condition affects both feet and worsens with age. The ligaments and tendons of the foot arches can stretch, rip, and enlarge.
- Rigid: People with rigid flat feet have no arches in their feet at all, whether in standing or sitting positions. This condition typically manifests in adolescence and worsens with time. You may experience excruciating pain and find it hard to move your feet up and down or side-to-side. One or both feet might be affected by the absence of the arch.
- Adult-acquired (fallen arch): In adult-acquired (fallen arch) flat foot, the arch of the foot unexpectedly descends or caves in. The falling arch makes the foot turn outwards, which can be extremely painful. It is possible that only one foot is affected. Swelling or a rip in the leg tendon (posterior tibial tendon) that supports the arch is the most prevalent cause.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
How do flat feet develop?
The feet of growing children develop arches. While some have extremely low or practically missing arches, resulting in flat feet, others have high arches. It may be genetic to have flat feet.
Later in age, some individuals get flat feet. At times, it can be genetic. And particular conditions could enhance your likelihood of developing flat feet, says Dr. Sandeep Singh, one of the best orthopedic doctor in Bhubaneswar. These conditions include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis,
- Injuries to the Achilles tendon.
- Fractured bones.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Syndrome Down.
- Pregnancy.
- High blood pressure
What symptoms do flat feet exhibit?
Most people who have flat feet do not suffer from discomfort or other complications. However, specific varieties of flat feet can be excruciating. Among potential symptoms:
- Toe drift (front part of the foot and toes point outward).
- Leg cramps.
- Foot or leg muscle discomfort (ache or weariness).
- An ache in the lateral aspect of the foot, arch, ankle, or heel.
- Ache or alterations to your gait when walking.
Consult your doctor if you notice the following:
- The sudden growth of flat feet (fallen arches).
- Balance issues.
- Pain and difficulty walking are symptoms of this condition.
- Aching, stiff feet.
Diagnosis of Flat feet.
Your doctor can diagnose based on your symptoms and the appearance of your arches while standing, sitting, and walking. X-rays may examine the bone structure.
CONTROL AND MEDICATION
How do you manage or treat flat feet?
Most people who have flat feet might not have serious difficulties or need a remedy. If you develop foot stiffness, pain, or other symptoms, your doctor may offer non-surgical therapy. Infrequently, individuals need a surgical procedure to correct rigid flat feet or abnormalities with tendons or bones.
Treatment comprises of:
Assistive equipment such as foot or leg braces, foot orthotics, and customized shoes.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), rest, and ice can be used to alleviate swelling and ache.
Physical therapies that work on the flexibility and strengthening of tight muscles and tendons enhance range of motion.
The prognosis for those affected by flat feet:
Non-surgical treatments provide symptom relief for the majority of patients with flat feet. Some individuals do not require medical care. Flat feet may escalate your risk for a variety of problems, including:
- Shin fractures.
- Arthritis.
- Pain in the lower back, hip, or knee.
- Bone spurs.
- Corns, hammertoes, or bunions.
Conclusion:
All infants are born with flat feet. Typically, arches emerge by age six. Occasionally, flat feet (or fallen arches) develop during teenage or adulthood and are associated with pain and trouble walking. Consult a doctor if your flat feet are causing you discomfort. Specific non-surgical treatments, like orthotics and stretching exercises, can alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Occasionally, surgery may be necessary.