Flatfeet

What is Flatfeet?

If the arches on the inside of the feet have become flat and because of this the entire sole of the foot is able to touch the floor while standing up, then the person is suffering from a disorder known as Flatfeet. This disorder can lead to defects in the ankles and knees because flatfeet alters the complete alignment of the body. The condition is usually painless, and patients suffering from this defect do not require any treatment for the disorder. But, if the disorder affect the functioning of the knees and ankles, the patient may need medical intervention.

Symptoms

Generally, this disorder does not show any symptoms, but some people may experience the following symptoms:

Foot pain.
Swelling.
Discomfort while walking.

Causes

The causes of the disorder are:

Incomplete development of feet in case of infants and toddlers.
Falling of arches.
Inflammation along the ankles.
Weakness in tendons due to wear and tear.

Risks

Some factors that can increase the risk of flatfeet are:

Obesity - Overweight increases the burden on the feet.
A traumatic injury in the foot or ankle.
A person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is at greater risk of flatfeet.
With growing age, chances of flatfeet increases.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of flat feet, these are certain things one should take care of.

In children, wearing flexible and open toe shoes can really help.
Careful attention to shoe selection.
Making healthy changes in lifestyle.
Avoiding obesity, as it increases the stress on the feet.
Use arch supports, if there is even a small symptom of flatfeet.

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, our doctor will begin with observing the feet from front to back and might ask the patient to stand, so that the doctor can view the mechanics of the feet. The doctor will also take a l...

X-rays
Ultrasound
MRI scan
CT scan

How is it treated?

There is no definite treatment for flat feet, but if the patient is experiencing severe pain, our doctors at Medanta may adopt the following methods to treat the disorder:

Therapy

The doctor might suggest therapy for combating the pain that occurs because of flat feet.
Orthotic devices (arch supports)

Patients can be relieved from pain with arch supports. The doctor can suggest arch supports that are designed according to the contour of the patient’s feet. The support is not a cure to the defect, but they help in reducing symptoms.
Exercise

In some cases, it is observed that the patient has short Achilles tendons. There are exercises that help in stretching the tendon, and such exercises may help with the pain.
Proper shoes

Footwear that is properly designed and is supportive structure wise can also help in reducing the symptoms that occur.
Surgery

Exclusively for flatfeet, no surgery is performed. It is performed if there are associated disorders such as tendon tear or rupture.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should consult a doctor immediately, if your child develops pain, cramping or tenderness in the feet. In adults difficulty in walking, wearing shoes, and participating in physical activities should be addressed immediately.

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