Flat Feet

12 September 2017 | Admin

Flat feet (also called pes planus or Fallen Arches) is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.

In a person with fallen arches, one or both feet may be flat on the ground, and shoes may wear unevenly, especially on one side, or they may wear out more quickly than usual.

Depending on the severity of the problem, symptoms include hardening of the skin, corns may appear on the soles of the feet, which will become tender. In some cases pain in the calf, knee and back can occur.

Most of the time flat feet are caused by abnormal walking, this is when the joint in the foot rolls in too much or sometimes it can be hereditary.

Most people have a gap under the arch of their foot when they are standing. The arch, the inner part of the foot is slightly raised off the ground. People with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch, or it is very low.

The feet of people with fallen arches may roll over to the inner side when they are standing or walking, known as overpronation. The feet may point outward.

People who suffer from cerebal palsy or muscular dystrophy are also at risk, as the muscles do not work properly.

Causes of flat feet include:

Genetic factors, as flat feet can run in families
Weak arches, where the foot is visible for example, when sitting, but the foot flattens onto the ground when standing
Foot or ankle injury
Arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment & Prevention
Wearing footwear with a firm heel is recommended for extra support, along with the use of a foot arch support, and in the long term orthotic insoles can be used. These can be obtained from the chiropodist.

Modular Orthotics Longitudinal Arch Supports
These are used for planter fascitis, tendonitis, shin splints, heel pain and neuroma. They also control excessive pronation.