Platfod: Symptoms And Treatment

A person has flat feet when their entire sole of the foot is in contact with the ground while standing up. This is because the arch of the foot is flattened. This is a very frequent condition. Estimates show that 20% of the world’s population has it. It does not usually cause pain and can develop both in childhood and in subsequent years.

However, it can lead to poor leg alignment and this causes problems both in the ankles and in the knees. So in today’s article we explain why it happens and how we treat it.

The causes of flatfoot

It is normal to have it in childhood as the arch of the foot is still formed in this phase. But the bow never develops in some people, and this is neither bad nor problematic. Flat feet can also form over the years.

In this case, however, it usually affects only one foot. It can also happen due to aging, overexertion, injuries and illness. Each of these situations leads to tendon injuries, and it is these that “support” the arch.

Certain factors increase the risk of getting flatfoot. In addition to aging and injuries, as we have already mentioned, it can also be due to obesity, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, a study conducted at the University of Chile says that:

That is why it is important to take care of your diet and especially your children’s diet. This is because obesity can impair the development of their muscles and skeleton.

Also read: A diet plan for weak bones and joints

What are the symptoms?

Most people with flat feet have no symptoms. However, some feel pain in the inner leg. When the condition leads to a poor adjustment, pain can affect the ankles or knees. Flat feet are connected by inward-facing knees.

This pathology is called genu valgum or “calf knee”. It is a skeletal and aesthetic problem that you can even see with the naked eye.

Other symptoms that can lead to this condition are also fatigue and heaviness in the legs. It can be difficult for people with flat feet to walk. In some cases, they may also have back problems.

Treatments of flatfoot

Many treatments can improve this condition if it causes pain.

• Stretching exercises: These are ideal for cases where the Achilles tendon is shorter than normal.
• Footwear with structural support: This helps relieve pain and is much more comfortable than shoes that have little or no support.
• Orthopedic devices: These are arches for the arch. There are non-prescription solutions, but you can also get them customized. Custom insoles fit the contour of your foot perfectly and reduce your symptoms.
• The ideal approach for children is to try to straighten their flat feet with a set of exercises. However, they can start using custom soles from the age of four. They improve their foot alignment.
• Surgery is also an option as a last resort. However, this is usually reserved for the most complicated cases.
• It is normal for those people who also have a tendon fracture for example.

Physiotherapy can also be effective in the case of athletes with this condition. This is because many cases of flat feet are due to overload from injuries when running or when overcompensating while exercising. Physiotherapists and coaches can prevent this problem by helping these athletes improve their technique.

Also read: Is it best to stretch or strengthen muscles?

Conclusion

Having flat feet is something that usually does not cause discomfort or major problems. However, different forms of treatment can help in cases where it occurs. What is important is to consult a doctor with questions.

It is also always a good idea to try to lose weight if you are overweight. You can treat your pain with medication, but it is much better to do stretches and other forms of physiotherapy.