Your Guide to Flat Feet
Have you ever noticed that you feel discomfort or pain after walking for a while? How about after long periods of standing? Maybe you’ve asked your friends and family if they have the same issue, and you’ve been met with blank faces. Whether or not your loved ones understand your pain, podiatrists certainly do! Flat feet, or fallen arches, are a relatively common condition that may be uncomfortable— but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
This article discusses the causes and impacts of flat feet and how podiatry aims to assist in relieving pain. For personalised advice, contact our team at Midland Podiatry today.
What Are Flat Feet?
When the arch of your foot— the middle of the underside of your foot— is lower than average, this is what’s called flat feet or fallen arches. This may cause pain and discomfort, or you may not even notice you have flat feet until it’s pointed out!
Flat feet are considered normal for children until the ligaments and tendons in the foot tighten and create an arch. This tends to happen between the ages of two and three years old. However, some peoples’ arches don’t develop properly or may form and then flatten over time, often leading to problems with walking, running, and long periods of standing.
How Can I Tell if I Have Flat Feet?
The symptoms of flat feet are typically visible if you know what to look for. The most obvious sign is if the foot arch doesn’t curve upwards. Other symptoms include:
- Inward rolling feet (pronation)
- Ankles that tilt inward
- Uneven wear pattern on shoes
- Foot fatigue
- Foot pain
- Pain elsewhere in the body, such as the lower legs and ankles
Some people may have most or all of these symptoms, while others may not experience any discomfort. If you can’t tell whether your feet are flat, you can try an at-home test by wetting the soles of your feet and stepping onto a dry surface. If the entire foot, including the arch, is visible, you may have flat feet.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet may be caused by several factors, including:
- The arches not developing correctly during childhood
- Hypermobility conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Soft tissue injury
- Genetic bone or soft tissue conditions
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Weak muscles
- Spinal conditions
- Abnormal muscle length
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Difference in leg lengths
- Pregnancy
How are Flat Feet Addressed?
The treatment for flat feet depends on factors such as how the condition affects you and the underlying cause. Your podiatrist should begin with a biomechanical assessment of your feet and lower legs in an effort to identify the cause of your flat feet. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, treatment options may include:
- Custom orthotics
- Exercise prescription
- Footwear advice
- Dry needling
- Shockwave therapy
- Foot mobilisation therapy
- Lifestyle changes
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Foot surgery, in extreme cases
Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet
Custom orthotics are generally recommended for many people with flat feet. Custom orthotics are designed to fit the specific contours of your feet in an effort to support your arch and reduce discomfort.
Following your biomechanical assessment, your podiatrist should create your prescription and send it to an orthotics lab. Unlike off-the-shelf orthotics, your prescription means your custom orthotics are well and truly personalised for your feet! You’ll be able to use your custom orthotics in your regular shoes, though it’s recommended that you wear them in supportive shoes that provide stability.
When your orthotics arrive and are put in your shoes, you may feel slight discomfort to begin with. This is to be expected, as your feet will need some time to get used to the different sensations. Over time, after wearing them in gradually, you likely won’t even notice they’re there!
Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet by Midland Podiatry
Looking to step into comfort with personalised care? At Midland Podiatry, our experienced team is dedicated to assisting you along your foot health journey. Starting with a biomechanical assessment and gait analysis, we aim to determine how your flat feet may be affecting you and the treatment options that may benefit you. Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all solutions— book your appointment today!