These will not change the shape of your feet, but can help with things like pain or stiffness.

what shoes to wear (wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel are usually best).Your GP might be able to give you advice about paying to see a specialist privately.Ī foot specialist can offer advice about: Referral to a specialist is not available everywhere and waiting times can be long. If flat feet are causing problems and you need treatment, a GP may refer you to a specialist like a podiatrist or physiotherapist. These problems mean you might need treatment. you have problems with walking or balance.your feet are painful, stiff, weak or numb.should not stop you doing any activities, including sportsīut sometimes, you may have pain around your ankle or the arch of your foot may ache.After this time, they usually develop an arch. Most children have flat feet until they're about 6 years of age. You do not need to do anything if you or your child have flat feet and they're not causing any problems. Adult acquired flat foot can be treated with:Ģ.Itanistock / Alamy Stock Photo *%26restriction%3D%26random%3D%26ispremium%3D1%26flip%3D0%26contributorqt%3D%26plgalleryno%3D%26plpublic%3D0%26viewaspublic%3D0%26isplcurate%3D0%26imageurl%3D%26saveQry%3D%26editorial%3D1%26t%3D0%26edoptin%3D Flat feet do not usually need to be treated Weakness or paralysis of leg muscles can also create a flatfoot deformity. If you have adult acquired flat foot you will not be able to lift your heel off the ground while standing on one leg.Īdult acquired flatfoot may develop due to trauma or degeneration of major tendons ankle & foot. All of these underlying problems will lead to a weakening of the support structures of the arch. The common patient profile is a female over the age of 50 with pre-existing flatfeet, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Adult acquired flatfoot is a painful condition occurring in one foot. This situation is termed adult acquired flatfoot. Unfortunately as people reach their fifties they will suddenly have one foot with a flatter arch than the other foot. Some people have always had flat feet from a young age. Chronic foot pain may lead to inactivity and diminished well-being.Structural changes may create areas of abnormal pressure resulting in chronic ulcers of the foot.Flatfeet are more prone to conditions such as bunions, hammer-toes, and Morton’s neuroma.Early degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of lower extremity joints.Chronic strain and pain in the arch and lateral side of the mid-foot.Severe heel pain from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.Referral for surgical correction a severe symptomatic flatfoot.Physical therapy modalities such as laser.Taping to support strained ligaments and joints.Avoid prolonged periods weight bearing with bare feet.

Control body weight to decrease load on the feet.

Keep active and fit to strengthen leg and foot musculature.

Over-the-counter arch supports may be helpful for mild cases, but often prove ineffective to relieve symptoms associated with flatfoot. These devices are prescribed based on a thorough biomechanical examination by a qualified chiropodist/podiatrist. Generally, a custom-made semi-rigid functional posted orthotic is effective for flat feet.

Surgical procedures on the leg and ankleįoot orthotic devices can stabilize some of the causes of flat feet, optimize muscle function and reduce the occurrence of painful symptoms.Inflammatory diseases of the joints e.g.Trauma to the leg muscles or major tendons.Painful shin splints may develop with activity.The knees, hips, and lower back may be the primary source of discomfort.Associated discomfort within and near the ankle joint.Pain and stiffness of the medial arch or anywhere along the mid-portion of the foot.The instability of the foot can create abnormal stress that flows up the leg which results in pain in the legs, knees, hips and lower back. This creates stress and strain on the surrounding soft-tissues and joints creating tired, sore arches. The foot can bend as the heel lifts off the ground. The medial arch is unstable in flexible flatfoot. Flat feet can initially be asymptomatic, but can become progressively symptomatic with age. Flat feet usually occurs equally in both feet and become apparent at an early age. Flat feet are more common in certain ethnic groups. There is often a hereditary component to the development of flat feet. Flat feet are defined as an abnormal lowering of the medial longitudinal arch. If you have flat feet (pes planus) it does not mean you will have problems or pain.

Fallen arches meaning