Flat feet is a frequent ailment that occurs when the inner arches of the feet flatten when pressure is put on them. People with flat feet have a foot that points outward when they stand up, and the whole soles of their feet contact the ground. Also, flat feet The Woodlands can occur when the arches do not form throughout childhood. It can also appear later in life due to an accident or the natural wear-and-tear strains of becoming older.
Symptoms of flat feet
Pain in the feet is the most typical sign of flat feet. Strains on the muscles and ligaments that link them can cause this.
Hip and knee discomfort may be brought on by abnormal forces placed on the joints. These stressors are probably if the ankles bend inward. Most frequently, pain and occasionally swelling or stiffness affect parts of the body like the lower legs, lower back, ankle, knee, arch of the foot, and calf.
Causes and risk factors
The common causes and risk factors of flat feet include;
- Congenital abnormalities
Children are born with flat feet, but as they grow, their muscles and tendons form and their feet shift and acquire arches. Some infants, however, never lose their flat feet.
- Tendon injuries
The posterior tibial tendon, which joins your ankle to the inside of your foot and the network of plantar fascia ligaments, is attached to your Achilles tendon in the ankle. Your arches may collapse if these tendons are injured by tears, inflammation, or other trauma.
- Bone fractures
Your arches may flatten if you dislocate or fracture any of the bones in your foot, which can also affect the posterior tibial tendon. Your feet’s bones and connective tissue work together to form a complex network that supports and helps you walk. Flat feet and other issues might result from an injury to any portion of your foot or ankle.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the ligaments, cartilage, and synovial lining of your joints, including any of the 30 joints in each of your feet. Rheumatoid arthritis not only causes you pain, makes you swell, and makes you stiff, but it can also alter the form of your feet and cause flat feet.
- Obesity
Being overweight strains numerous body parts, including the feet and arches. The additional stress may gradually stretch the tendons and ligaments that make up the arch, making them more vulnerable to damage.
- Age
People over 50 are more prone to experience foot issues like falling arches because they are more likely to have arthritis, osteoporosis, and weaker muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Diabetes
Since persons with diabetes frequently have decreased sensitivity in their feet and are less able to sense pain, collapsed arches in these people can be more harmful than in other people. They could even sustain fractures and bone decay without experiencing any discomfort.
In most cases, flat feet are painless. Therefore, there is no need for therapy if you are pain-free. However, if your flat feet are causing you pain and restricting your activities, you need to visit a specialist to assess and treat your condition.
If you have flat feet, call Foot and Ankle Specialists to book your appointment for treatment.