What are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot (Pes planus) is a condition in which one or both feet have too little or no arch. When people with flat feet stands, the arch of the foot presses into the ground. The arch is not visible in the foot at all when bearing weight, but it can become visible when you lift the foot from the ground.
Babies have flat feet at birth. The arch typically forms around the age of 6. Approximately 2 out of 10 children with flat feet will persist into adulthood.
Types of Flat Feet
There are four main types of flat feet.
Flexible
- Most common type
- Arches are visible when sitting but will disappear when weight is put on the foot.
- Onset during childhood or teen years.
- It affects both feet and will worsen with age.
- As you age, tendons and ligaments in the arches may stretch, tear, and swell causing increased pain with age.
Rigid
- No visible arches when standing or sitting.
- Develops during the teen or adult years and worsens with age.
- This condition inhibits range of motion and may make it difficult to flex the foot up or down or move them side-to-side.
- This could affect one foot or both feet.
Adult-Acquired or Fallen Arch
- Unexpectedly drop or collapse of the foot’s arch.
- This collapse causes the foot to turn outward and is oftentimes painful.
- The condition may affect one or both feet
- Most often, the cause of this type of flat feet is inflammation or a tear in the leg tendon supporting the arch or trauma.
Vertical Talus
- Birth defect that prevents arches from forming.
- The talus bone in the foot takes on a vertical position.
- The bottom of the foot to resemble the bottom of a rocking chair.
- Also known as a rocker-bottom foot.
Causes of Flat Feet
Flat feet might be a genetic condition, running in families. Some people have high arches and others might have almost absent arches.
Others could develop flat feet in adulthood. There are some problems that can increase the risk of flat feet. These include:
- Achilee’s tendon injuries
- Broken bones
- Cerebral palsy
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Risk Factors for Flat Feet
There are some problems that can increase the risk of flat feet. These include:
- Achilles’ tendon injuries
- Broken bones/trauma
- Cerebral palsy
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Shoes with poor support
Symptoms
Flat feet may not cause pain or other problems. For most, it causes the symptoms such as:
- Leg cramps
- Muscle pain, aching, or fatigue in the foot or leg
- Pain in the arch, ankle, heel, or outside of the foot
- Pain when walking or standing
- Rolled-in ankles
- Shin splints
- Bunions
- Hammertoe
- Knee, hip, and lower back pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Toe drift (when the front part of the foot and toes point outward)
Diagnosis
Keir Foot & Ankle Specialists are experts in diagnosing flat feet in the Beverly/Mount Greenwood/Morgan Park or any Chicagoland area. A simple assessment of your symptoms and an evaluation of how your arches look when standing, sitting, and walking is often sufficient. In most cases, x-rays or other imaging may be used to look closer at bone structure.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Prescription or non-prescription medications
- Rest, ice, elevation to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy may to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the foot/ankle to improve range of motion and flexibility
- Custom for orthotics (shoe inserts), Ankle Foot Orthosis (leg/ankle braces) or custom shoes.
In rare cases, surgery is necessary to fix rigid flat feet or problems with bones or tendons that develop because of flat feet. Many times, people with flat feet might get surgery for an associated problem like a tendon tear or rupture.
If your flat feet are causing balance problems, difficulty walking, stiff and painful feet, or you suddenly developed flat feet, it is time to contact Keir Foot & Ankle. In addition, parents should keep an eye on their children’s feet as they get older. Children are often not in tune to these issues and won’t notice a problem until years later. If you notice any abnormalities, their feet should be examined by a podiatrist. We have years of experience treating patients in Morgan Park, Palos Park, Worth, and more who are struggling with flat feet. We will help you manage the condition and get back on your feet – pain free.
Surgical Treatment
