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Flat Feet: An Overview

Flat feet, also known as acquired flat foot disorder is a condition in which the arch of the foot has not developed as normal.

When this happens, the arch in the foot which runs along the sole of the foot is either flattened or lowered. This condition can occur in both of the feet or just one foot. While flat feet can affect both children and adults, children are flatfooted until they are between the ages of three and five when the arch starts to develop.

Causes
Flatfeet can be caused by a variety of different reasons. The most common causes are:

  • Having an abnormality that was present from birth
  • Stretched or torn tendons
  • Damaged tendons
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve problems
  • An abnormality that is present from birth

Your risks for developing flat feet increase if you are overweight or have diabetes. Your risk also increases with age.

Treatment
For children, there is rarely any need to correct flatfeet as children are born with flat feet and the arch forms over time.

For adults, the treatment of flat feet depends on the severity of the problem. If your flatfeet causes you additional difficulties or pain, then your doctor may suggest some of the following treatment options:

  • Stretching exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Orthotic devices, special shoes, braces or casts

If the pain from your flat feet is severe enough, your doctor may recommend surgery.

  • Fusing of the foot and ankle bone
  • Removing spurs
  • Reshaping the bone
  • Cleaning the tendons
  • Adding tendons to your foot from other parts of your body to help create and form an arch
  • Grafting a bone to create the arch

There are also home remedies that could help manage the pain that comes from having flat feet.

  • Wearing specific shoes or inserts
  • Wearing proper footwear that are specific for the activity you are participating in
  • Stretches
  • Avoid applying excess stress to your feet
  • Avoid high impact sports if possible

If you suspect that you have flat feet, contact your podiatrist to learn more about treatment options.

For more information on foot care in Houston, or to learn more about treatment options for flat feet, contact Dr Lamarra of Shepherd Square Podiatry today.

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