Flat Foot
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding flat feet.
What Is Flat Feet?
Flat feet are characterized by a slight arch or the absence of an arch in the foot. All children are born with flat feet, and as they grow older, the arch or curve in the foot develops, but in some individuals, this arch does not form.
Flat feet are not considered a serious problem, but when they cause pain or other issues, treatment may be required in such cases.
What Are the Causes of Flat Feet?
- The most common causes:
- The foot not developing normally in childhood, leading to a lack of arch formation in adults.
Family inheritance.
- Less common causes:
- Poor development of the fetal foot bones in the mother’s womb.
- Stretching of the foot membranes due to injury, aging, or excess weight.
A medical condition affecting the nerves, joints, or muscles.
- Other factors that increase the likelihood of developing flat feet include:
- Pregnancy.
- Rheumatic diseases and arthritis.
- Obesity.
- Down syndrome.
- Diabetes.
- Foot and ankle injuries.
- Aging.
Cerebral palsy.
What Are the Symptoms of Flat Feet?
- In general, flat feet do not cause symptoms, but sometimes they cause pain in various areas of the foot, including:
- Pain in the leg.
- Pain in the foot arch.
Heel pain.
- And other symptoms such as:
- Leg cramps.
- Muscle pain.
- Pain while walking.
- Pain in the foot during any activity.
Swelling in the ankle.
- How Is Flat Feet Diagnosed?:
- The doctor will take a medical history and perform a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:X-rey).
- Diagnostic X-ray. (CT scan).
- CT scan. (MRI).
- MRI scan.Ultrasound.
Ultrasound.
How Is Flat Feet Treated?
- Treatment involves various procedures as needed, and may include:
- Pain relievers.
- Wearing foot supports.
- Cold compresses.
- Wearing shoes specially designed for flat feet.
Stretching exercises.
Surgical intervention is not necessary for flat feet unless they affect the bones and muscles or if non-surgical treatment methods are not beneficial.
What Are the Prevention Methods?
Often, the occurrence of flat feet cannot be prevented, but reducing weight and maintaining a healthy weight helps alleviate foot pain.
What Are the Complications?
- Flat feet may increase the risk of:
- Arthritis.
- Swelling in the feet.
- Pain in the lower back, hips, and knees.
Bone spurs.
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- When experiencing foot pain.
- Difficulty or pain while walking.
- Loss of balance.
Foot or ankle injury.
- Frequently Asked Questions
I have flat feet. Can I exercise?
- Yes, you can exercise as long as you do not feel pain. Start exercising gradually and moderately.
My child has flat feet. Should I be worried?
- Flat feet in children are considered normal. Most infants up to the age of six have flat feet, and after that, the foot arch begins to develop.
When do I need surgery for flat feet?
