Tel: (01292) 73 78 77
Flat Feet​
The term "flat feet" (also known as "planus" or "pronated foot") refers to feet that "roll in" or are hypermobile. When your feet roll in significantly during stance, it appears that the arch height of your foot is being lost. When not bearing weight, most feet have an arch that only collapses when they are standing (flexible flat foot). Some feet, on the other hand, are flat both when not bearing weight and when the foot makes contact with the ground (rigid flat foot).
Causes of flat feet
​
-
Hypermobility
-
Limb length differences
-
Pregnancy
-
Arthritis
-
Hereditary
-
Internally rotated legs
-
Obesity
-
Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
A flat vs. a typical arch foot's arch contour
​
What are some of the symptoms that a person with flat feet could experience?
​
-
On Sore feet -bunions, corns, hammer toes
-
On Heels -Plantar Fasciopathy, heel pain, heel spurs, Sever’s
-
On Shins -Shin pain, PTTD, Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
-
On Calves –Cramping, tightness
-
On Knees -Patellofemoral pain syndrome, Osgood Schlatter’s, runners knee
-
On Thighs -ITB syndrome
-
On Hips -greater trochanter bursitis
What role does flat feet play in all of these aches and pains?
​
Our foot should, in theory, glide through a seamless transition of the arch rising and falling with each step we take. The problem with either a flat or high arched foot is that it tends to spend the majority of the gait cycle with the arch being high or flat. With a flat foot, the arch remains lowered, resulting in a more flexible foot due to the absence of the necessary stage of the foot's stability and rigidity. Ground reaction forces from the impact of the foot contacting the ground are not efficiently distributed when this occurs from the feet up. As a result, movement compensations may occur, resulting in increased stiffness in other joints.
​
"Should I get my feet tested because I think I have flat feet?"
​
We invite you to come in for a check-up if you have any concerns about your foot type or posture.
​
The following are the major reasons we think you should see a podiatrist right away:
​
-
Foot pain that is either acute or chronic.
-
Ankles, knees, hips, and the low back are all interrelated, causing pain and dysfunction.
-
Excessive wear patterns on shoes necessitate regular shoe replacements.
-
Concerns regarding your walking style.
-
Trips are made on a regular basis.
-
Disparities in limb length.
-
Concerns with children's feet should be addressed as soon as possible.
-
Arthritis is linked to painful feet.
-
Weakness in the ankles.
​
Treatment
​
We will perform a thorough biomechanical evaluation of your feet, legs, knees, and hips to determine the source of your pain. To examine the influence on your gait, video gait analysis software is used to analyse your walking pattern.
We'll go over your treatment options with you, which could include a pair of custom flexible insoles to control any aberrant forces that are causing discomfort or other symptoms.
​
Casts of your feet are obtained, and a complete prescription is written for you, from which orthotics are constructed. The orthotic is comfortable to wear inside your shoes and supports your arch and feet in the best possible position, which affects your leg and body posture. Exercises, mobilisation, manipulation, massage, footwear recommendations, and dry needling may all be required depending on the issue. These alternatives will be addressed during your consultation.
​
What's the best news for people who have flat feet?
​
They can be made stronger through training! Because we focus our therapy on rebuilding strength and stability to your feet and legs through particular exercises, we get amazing outcomes with our clients. If we are giving orthotic supports as part of your treatment, we will also give you with a graded exercise program to focus on training your feet to be able to handle all of the demands of your day while still having the support in place to allow for a faster recovery and more comfortable feet!