Flat foot: symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition of flat foot

Flat foot or called flat feet, is a musculoskeletal disorder in the form of flat or flat feet. This condition can occur in both children and adults.

Flat foot occurs when the arch that should be located on the sole of the foot and serves to support the body when standing or walking is absent.

Basically, every child will be born with flat or flat feet. It is only after turning 3 years of age that these curves form on children's feet.

However, if the child has a disturbance in this one movement system, the curve that has been formed will shrink and disappear when the child stands up. However, this curve will reappear when the child is sitting or on tiptoes.

Flat foot type

There are two types of flat foot , that is, flexible and rigid. In the flexible type, this curve can still be seen even though it is not supporting body mass.

However, in the rigid type, no curvature was found, whether it was supporting body mass or not.

Flat foot signs & symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of flat foot that may appear, including:

• Pain in the soles of the feet, ankles, and the area around the feet.
• The ankle is bent to the side.
• Pain that is felt to the shins.
• A feeling of constant tiredness in the calf or leg.
• Pain in the back, hips, and knees.

Causes of flat foot

Although it is classified as a common condition, the cause of flat foot often it is not known with certainty. This could be a condition that has occurred since you were born.

However, there are several conditions that are thought to cause flat feet, although they are still rare:

• The bones in your legs don't grow properly while you are in the womb.
• The tissue in the legs is stretched, and this can happen as a result of injury, part of the aging process, and being overweight).
• Health problems that affect the muscular system, nervous system, or joints throughout the body.

Flat foot risk factors

There are several risk factors you need to know about flat feet , as:

• Obesity.
• Foot or ankle injury.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• The aging process.
• Diabetes.

Flat foot diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

If you feel pain in the soles of your feet, your doctor may order tests like the following.

1. X-ray

This examination is performed with the help of radiation beams to produce clear images of the bones and joints of the feet. Usually, this test is very useful for detecting arthritis.

2. CT scan

A CT scan that also uses X-rays can help your doctor see your foot from different angles. In addition, it provides clearer details than an ordinary X-ray examination.

3. Ultrasound

An ultrasound is usually done when your doctor suspects you have a tendon injury. This examination uses sound waves to produce clear and detailed images of the soft tissues all over the body.

4. MRI

An MRI exam uses radio waves and strong magnets to produce accurate images of the tissues in your body.

By doing one of the above examination methods, your doctor can determine whether you really have flat foot or other conditions. This helps the doctor prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What are the treatments that can be done to treat flat foot ?

After being diagnosed with flat foot, the doctor will determine the type of treatment that suits your health condition. Usually, the treatment for flat foot is not something heavy, it can even be done at home.

The following are some treatment options for flat feet that your doctor may recommend:

1. Use of arch support devices

This tool can be purchased freely at medical equipment stores or pharmacies whose function is to relieve pain that occurs due to flat foot. Your doctor may also suggest that you make your own brace design and adapt it to the shape of your foot.

Although using this brace will not cure flat foot, at least it will help reduce various symptoms.

2. Stretching exercises

Generally, people who experience flat feet also experience shrinkage of the Achilles tendon. By doing stretching exercises, the tendons can further stretch and aid in recovery from this condition.

3. Supporting shoes

In addition to health aids, you can also use shoes with certain structures that support the soles of the feet so they are more comfortable to use when walking or standing.

4. Physical therapy

To undergo this therapy, you will be accompanied by a physical therapist. Usually, it is professional runners who will undergo this therapy. The therapist will help you analyze the condition from the video while you are running.

The goal is to help improve running techniques and posture while running in order to reduce the risk of injury.

5. Operating procedures

Surgery is done not only to treat flat feet. You may undergo surgery if the condition is related to other health problems, such as repairing a torn tendon.