Flat Feet and Orthotics Q & A
What do arches do for my feet?
Tendons that run from the heel to the toes, with just the right amount of tension, should create an arch in your foot.
Your foot arches provide support and act as a shock absorber during weight-bearing activities. They also help you maintain a healthy gait.
What causes flat feet?
When the tendons in your foot don’t have enough tension, it causes your foot to lay flat. Common causes of flat feet include the following:
Overstretched or torn tendons
Hereditary factors
Broken or dislocated bones
Arthritis
Nerve conditions
Excess pressure on the feet from extra weight or pregnancy also damages the arches.
Do I need treatment?
If your feet aren’t bothering you and your flat arches aren’t causing mechanical problems in your body, you may not require treatment. However, if you suffer from achy swollen feet, your legs or back hurt, or you have difficulties walking because of flat feet, contact Podiatrists.
Flat feet may also make you more susceptible to plantar fasciitis and bone spurs. So, even if you don’t have pain now, you can still set up a consultation with Podiatrists to discuss prevention.
How do you treat flat feet?
Treatment for flat feet may be as simple as orthotics and physical therapy. After asking questions about your condition and examining your feet and gait, Podiatrists can help you develop an effective treatment plan.
Podiatrists may prescribe orthotic devices, contoured to your feet to provide arch support and symptom relief. Orthotics can provide significant relief.
Since a shortened Achilles tendon sometimes contributes to your symptoms, Podiatrists may also recommend stretches to lengthen the tendon and improve your condition. If flat feet affect your body’s biomechanics, a physical therapist can work with you to improve your form and heal overuse injuries.
If flat feet are causing you pain, contact Podiatrists for an assessment using the convenient online scheduler.