If you have flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, you are at a higher risk of injury. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that about 40% of all sports injuries are related to flat feet.
It is important to know the risks of not treating flat feet and what can be done to help with the condition. If you’re looking for information about how to care for your flat feet and want options on treatment, this is just for you!
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What Happens If You Do Not Treat Flat Feet?
If you do not treat flat feet, the condition will worsen and can lead to other problems such as bunions and arthritis. Bunions are a painful lump that forms at the base of your big toe from being over-pronated (under- pronating causes corns).
The bony prominence on top of the pad behind your heel that makes it feel like there’s something wrong with your foot when you walk is called a metatarsal spur. This is what happens when someone has untreated flat feet for too long.
The more severe form of this problem leads to what’s known as pes planus or plano Perthes—wherein there isn’t any bone underneath where they should be landing.
What is a pes planus?
In simple terms, pes planus means flat feet. In more scientific terms, it’s a condition in which the arch of your foot collapses inward. This can occur for a variety of reasons, such as wearing worn-out shoes, developing a leg length discrepancy, or having tight calf muscles.
The risks of not treating flat feet
If you don’t treat flat feet, you are at risk of developing painful conditions like plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot injury, with roughly 1 million new cases happening each year. It causes pain in the heel and arch that can be debilitating to your ability to work or participate in physical activity.
Another risk of not treating your flat feet is that it can cause back pain. In fact, one study found that patients with plantar fasciitis were 3 times more likely to have back pain than those without.
Podiatrists also see a lot of ankle injuries related to untreated flat feet because the condition increases pronation. This means that your foot will roll inward when you walk or run which puts a lot of stress on your ankle joint and makes it more likely for it to be injured.
How to take care of your feet
Flat feet can be treated by a doctor. It is important to see a doctor who has had experience treating flat feet if you have had no relief from any of the self-care treatments. In some cases, orthotics may be prescribed to help correct the problem.
It is important to understand that there is no cure for flat feet, but there are many ways it can be treated so that it does not cause any problems in your life. If you have been experiencing pain and want to take care of this condition, talk with your doctor and explore different treatment options!
Treatment Options for Flat Feet
Treatment for flat feet varies depending on the severity of the condition. If you have mild flat feet, you might just be told to wear cushioned shoes or take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to ease the pain.
It is also recommended that people with flat feet exercise their feet to help strengthen them. Regular exercises, like toe raises, are the best way to do this.
However, if your flat feet are more severe, you may need surgery or other treatment options. One option is using orthotics in your shoes for added arch support. Orthotics are shoe inserts that can help redistribute weight and relieve pressure on the foot’s joints and soft tissue.
Another treatment option is wearing a brace that goes around the arch of your foot. The brace works by keeping your foot from collapsing when weight is applied to it. You can purchase braces at most drugstores or online retailers for less than $50!
If you have severely flat feet, your doctor might recommend custom-molded orthotics which are specially made for you based on an exam of your foot’s shape and structure. Custom orthotics are expensive but will provide long-lasting relief from symptoms related to flat feet.
Custom orthotics
One treatment option for flat feet is to go to a podiatrist and get custom orthotics. Orthotics are supportive devices that fit into your shoes and help to correct any imbalances in your feet or gait.
They can also be used to prevent injuries by supporting the arch of your foot. There are different types of orthotics, such as over-the-counter inserts and prescription orthotics, but they all do about the same thing: stabilize your feet and lessen pain.
For many people, this is the best option because it is effective and inexpensive. However, it may not be right for everyone.
For example, if you have very flat feet (pes planus) the prescription orthotic may not provide enough support for you and may actually make your condition worse if you’ve never had an issue before.
Orthopedic insoles
Orthopedic insoles are one of the most common forms of treatment for flat feet. They are designed to provide extra support, cushioning, and stability. This will help to alleviate some of the symptoms of pes planus like pain and discomfort in your feet or legs. Orthopedic insoles can be found at sporting goods stores or shoe stores.
Some people have difficulty finding the right size in an orthopedic insole since they are made specifically for feet with flat arches. You will need to try on a couple of different pairs before finding the one that is most comfortable.
Another option for orthopedics can be custom-made orthotics, which offer a more personalized solution for specific foot problems, including pes planus. These are typically prescribed by a podiatrist or foot specialist after being evaluated.
Custom-made orthotics cost more than over-the-counter inserts but they may offer better relief from symptoms because they are designed specifically for your condition.
Custom-made footbeds
Footbeds are designed with a person’s unique anatomy in mind, and after a consultation with a podiatrist, patients can have custom-made footbeds to help relieve their flat feet. Footbeds will vary from person to person as they are made specifically for each individual.
High-quality footbeds will be constructed with high-quality foam and covered in a durable material such as leather or suede.
A customized footbed can last up to six months before being replaced and they cost anywhere between $150 and $300. The benefits of these footbeds include:
Footbeds help treat the pain associated with flat feet by providing extra cushioning and support that can ease pressure on the arch of the foot;
Footbeds that are custom-made for an individual’s feet can help prevent injuries such as ankle sprains;
Footbeds also provide arch support which is important for those with flat feet because it helps them walk without discomfort;
Footbeds can be heated or cooled depending on the needs of the user;
Footbeds provide relief from pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Braces and splints
Braces and splints are the most common treatment for flat feet. The brace provides support to the arch of your foot while the splint controls the position of your toes.
Splints are usually worn at night to help control how your foot falls asleep, while braces are usually worn during the day.
Braces can be custom or non-custom made depending on what you prefer. Non-custom braces are typically more affordable since they are available in a variety of sizes. Custom braces, however, will have less bulkiness on your foot and will be constructed specifically for your foot’s shape.
If you’re struggling with flat feet, it is recommended that you speak to a podiatrist about how to treat this condition!
Do flat footed people grow tall?
No, flat foted people do not grow taller.
A person can have flat feet and still grow tall. It all depends on how severe the condition is and the degree to which it affects the individual’s posture.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed your child’s feet are flat, they’re not alone. Studies show that up to 50% of children have flat feet. The good news is that there are many footwear options available to help with the condition. It’s also important for parents to know that children can grow out of flat feet.
We recommend following these simple steps to take care of your child’s feet:
1. Check your child’s feet regularly for signs of bruising, redness, or ulcers
2. See a doctor if the condition persists
3. Have your child’s physician or chiropractor recommend an appropriate shoe for them
4. Have your child’s foot measured routinely to ensure they’re not growing out of their shoes too quickly
5. Teach them how to walk correctly so they can avoid foot injuries
6. Strengthen their core muscles so they can better control their weight distribution
