Flat feet are also known as fallen arches. Normally the foot arched with both sides from side to side and back to front. The ligaments and tendons are strengthened that arches. Arches help the foot to support the body. During walking and running, the arch work like spring and push the body forward. So, it occur when the arches fall. It can cause pain and irritation in ankle and foot.
What are Flat Feet?
It is basically a collapsed arch of the foot with any reason are called flat feet. The muscles, ligaments and tendons of foot are weak and stretched may the reason of flat foot. When the patient stands, the entire soles of the feet touch the floor. It causes pain, soreness and irritation in foot. Flat foot can cause the dis-alignment of the leg and the body posture.
Causes of Flat Feet
- The most common cause of flat foot is hereditary and generally it runs in families.
- The tightness of the calf muscles and increasing the load across the Achilles tendon can cause the fallen arch.
- Post-traumatic conditions may also the reason of flat foot deformities.
- Stroke also the reason of flat foot.
Symptoms of Flat Feet
- Unable to walk or run properly
- Pain in ankle and foot
- Pain in knee
- Pain in hip
- Pain in lower back
- Pain in calf muscles
Risk Factors
Flat foot is not a medical condition but it is a risk factor for other conditions. Such as,
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Malalignment of the foot
- Ankle sprain
Treatment
Flat feet treatment depends on the symptoms. Some patients do not have symptoms or pain. So, they do not even try to correct the foot. Those patients having symptoms or pain and difficulty in standing or walking, they take treatment. Normally doctors start with Physical Therapy. After that some patients need orthotics, injections or in severe condition its treats with surgery also.
Role of Physical Therapy in Flat Foot
Physical Therapy is really important in any muscles, ligament, tendons or joint weakness. Physiotherapy helps you to manage your pain. Physiotherapist will make your exercises plan according your symptoms or age. Children are facing different type of issues comparing than adults. Physiotherapy helps you in standing, walking and also in running especially in children.
Exercises for Flat Foot
Exercises are also depends on age and symptoms.
- Foot Flexion
- Towel Scrunches
- Peroneal Stretch
- Resisted inversion
- Standing Inversion
- Standing Supination
Conclusion
Flat feet known as fallen arch. It happens when the muscles, ligaments and tendons of foot are weak. It commonly runs in families. Flat feet can cause pain in ankle and foot. The treatment of flat foot is depending on symptoms. Doctor’s normally suggest Physical Therapy in flat feet. Physiotherapy helps patients in standing, walking and running especially in children. So, if your child or other person suffering with flat feet, consult a doctor as early as possible. Otherwise it will be very painful and can cause other problems such as plantar fasciitis.
