When you have flat feet, it means you have flattened arches on the inside of your feet. Naturally, the middle section of your foot should have a slight bending between the heel and the foot’s ball. Thus, the condition, affecting nearly 60 million young and adult Americans, makes the pads or soles of your feet press into the ground completely whenever you are standing or sitting. The good news is that many people do not require treatment for flat feet. However, this type of foot deformity may increase your risk of health issues such as arthritis, bone spurs, and lower back pain. Flex Foot and Ankle PLLC offers treatment options to make it easier to have visible arches when you stand or sit, which is vital for achieving a full range of foot motions.
All babies have flat feet because the development of arches requires time. The flat feet should disappear when a child reaches around six years. Only 2 out of 10 children may persist with the condition into adulthood.
You may also have flat feet as an adult due to different conditions. Consequently, below are some of the common causes of fallen arches.
- Congenital anomaly
A congenital anomaly refers to a condition inherited at or before birth. One such congenital disability is vertical talus, which prevents the formation of arches on the feet.
The talus bone is a small ankle bone located in the hindfoot. Together with the calf and shin bones, they form the ankle joint.
When a child has this rare deformity, the sole flexes in an abnormal convex position, resulting in the foot’s bottom resembling a rocking chair’s bottom.
- Injury of the tendons
The posterior tibial and Achilles tendons ensure the stability and functioning of your foot and ankle.
You may injure or damage the tendons of your foot and ankle due to overuse, a degenerative condition, sports, physical activity, or inflammation.
Injuries to your tendons may cause fallen arches on your feet.
- Fracturing or dislocation of bones
The bones in your ankles and feet are essential for supporting and enhancing the movement of your body.
Fracturing or dislocating the bones in your ankle and foot may cause a flat foot due to the falling of arches.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells, cartilage, ligaments, connective tissues, and joints.
Because the autoimmune and inflammatory disease may attack the joints in your feet and ankles, you may have flat feet, apart from painful swelling and stiffness.
- Damage of nerves
Nerves in the feet help send messages from your brain and the spinal system to your entire body. The nerves can help you feel sensations in your feet and assist in moving the muscles you need to walk.
Nerve damage in your feet and ankles may result from uncontrolled diabetes. The destruction of your nerves may lead to the loss of sensation in the feet, collapsed arches, fractured bones, and a condition known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
If you have a flat foot, specialist treatment options may include physical therapies, anti-inflammatory medications, and assistive devices. Mobility aids you can use are shoe orthodontics, braces, and custom-tailored shoes.
Contact Flex Foot and Ankle today to discuss your treatment for flat feet and other foot and ankle conditions.
