A flat foot is a term used to describe a collapsed arch. Medically, the term is pes planovalgus (for foot flatten and pushed outwards). There are varying degrees of ‘flatness’. Though not all flat feet are problematic, however, painful flat feet can cause significant discomfort and activity limitations.
Flat feet don’t usually cause problems, but they can put a strain on your muscles and ligaments (ligaments link two bones together at a joint). This may cause pain in your legs when you walk.
If you have flat feet, you may experience pain in any of the following areas:
- the inside of your ankle
- the arch of your foot
- the outer side of your foot
- the calf
- the knee, hip or back
People with flat feet may experience a number of Issues from arch and heel pain to muscle cramps in the foot and leg, which may cause shin splints. Most common is pain on the outer edge of the foot, where it abuts the ankle.
Flat Feet Treatment
If you have no issues with mobility, your doctor may not recommend any treatment. If there are problems with mobility, you may need some medical assistance or a plan to treat the condition.
It may become medically necessary for your doctor to advise surgical procedures if other options do not improve the condition of your feet. Frequently, the options to restore a foot or fallen arch include any of the following:
If you have flat feet, you may also experience pain throughout the lower body and into the lower back. Orthotics can be prescribed to create a system of support for the body, and surgery can also offer a more permanent solution. Contact us today at (561) 123-1234 to discuss which treatment option isbest for you.