Suffering From Flat Feet? Get Help Before The Condition Worsens
Flat feet is a somewhat common condition, yet it is something that can lead to pain and problems. If the arches in your feet have fallen and have left your feet flat, you should seek help from a foot and ankle doctor. Flat feet will not correct themselves, and you may end up with other types of body aches and problems from this condition.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet occur for a number of reasons, but it is often because of an injury. If you stretch or damage the tendons in your feet, it might cause the arches to drop. Flat feet are also the result of abnormalities of birth, and from poor foot posture.
Even if you are not currently having pain from your flat feet, you should seek help for it. This condition will only worsen, but there are a lot of different treatment options for it.
What Problems Does This Cause?
When the arches drop in the feet, the feet cannot work like they are designed to. This can lead to achy feet, even when you are not using them a lot. It can also cause a lot of pain in your feet, and you might even begin to suffer from pain in the following body parts:
- Ankles
- Knees
- Hips
- Back
This occurs because the feet cannot distribute the weight properly because the arches are gone, and this causes excess strain on other parts of the body. If the condition becomes severe, it can also lead to developing heel spurs and arthritis.
How Is This Treated?
In minor cases of fallen arches, doctors generally treat the condition with foot orthotics. Foot orthotics are small inserts you place inside your shoes. They are custom-made to fit your feet perfectly, and they will force the arches back into your feet. This doesn't happen overnight, but it does provide your feet with the proper support they need, and it gives them the arches needed to live pain-free.
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, surgical options may be necessary if the problem is severe. These options can include fusing the foot bones, removing heel spurs, or changing the shape of the bones.
Going to a foot and ankle doctor is recommended before your flat feet begin causing other problems in your body. If you are already experiencing pain, you should not wait to make an appointment to see a specialist.