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The design of the foot is strong, flexible and functional. Our feet need to be in order to bear the weight and pressures that are exerted on them throughout the day. Most people have a gap under the arch of their foot when they are standing, which is slightly raised off the ground. However, those with flat feet or fallen arches either have no arch, or it is very low. If this is the case, your feet may roll over the inner side when you stand or walk. Flat feet is a common and usually painless condition that may occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. In other cases flat feet may be caused by an injury or from the simple wear and tear stresses of age. It can sometimes cause problems in your ankles and knees because the flatfeet condition can force your ankles to turn inward, throwing off the alignment of your legs. Do You have Flat Feet? Flat feet are a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. Although some people have no signs or symptoms associated with flat feet, some people may experience the following: • Foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area
• Difficulty standing on tiptoes
• Swelling along the inside of the ankle Flat feet are generally associated with a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line. When wearing shoes, they will lean toward each other after they have been worn long enough for the foot to remold their shape. Painful progressive flatfoot, or tibialis posterior tendonitis, refers to inflammation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior. Arising when the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn if left untreated may lead to severe disability and chronic pain. Other characteristics may include a toe drift, which is when the toes and front part of the foot point outward rather than straight forward. The heel may also tilt toward the outside and the ankle may appear to turn inwards. Bunions and hammertoes may develop, as well. Diagnosis and Treatment Your podiatrist will first examine your foot to observe how it looks when you stand and sit, while X-rays are usually taken to determine the severity of the disorder. If you experience symptoms with flat feet, your podiatrist may recommend non-surgical treatment options, such as: • Activity modifications
• Weight loss
• Orthotic devices
• Immobilization
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Shoe modification In some patients, pain may not be relieved by conventional methods. When this happens, your podiatrist may consider surgery. A variety of surgical techniques are available to correct flat feet, and one or a combination of procedures may be required to relieve the symptoms and improve foot function. Whether you were born with flat feet or you acquired fallen arches over time, if your flat feet are causing you problems, talk with your podiatrist in Scottsdale about treatments for the pain. He can work with you determine the best techniques to eliminate the pain, improve your mobility and get you back to the activities you love.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Scottsdale foot doctor, Dr. David Richer. Offering an array of services, Dr. Richer has been practicing podiatry in Scottsdale since 2001. He provides medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and leg. Dr. Richer, foot doctor in Scottsdale, has specialty training in treating neuropathy, diabetics, neuropathy, wounds, ulcers and other foot care.
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