How to Fix Flat Feet
Our feet take quite a beating. Every day, we use them to walk, run, or stand for significant periods of time.
As we go about our lives, the tendons, bones, ligaments, and muscles in our feet work together to provide support and allow us to move freely. They are constantly under stress and strain, which can sometimes lead to problems.
One of the most common problems that people experience is flat feet.
Flat feet can be painful for many sufferers, and as your balance starts in the feet, it can also lead to problems with the ankles, knees, and hips.
Let’s look at the causes of flat feet and how we can treat them.
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches, is a condition in which the arch of the foot collapses. This can cause the foot to become flat instead of raised like it normally is, so the entire sole, from toes to heel, comes into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.
Flat feet can occur for a variety of reasons. For some people, it’s simply a matter of genetics, and they are born with inherited flat feet.
Others may develop flat feet due to a health condition, such as arthritis or an injury. Obesity can also play a role, as the added weight on the feet and ankles puts extra stress on these areas and can cause the arches to collapse.
Whatever the cause, flat feet can be painful and make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods, which is why many sufferers seek treatment.
How to Treat Flat Feet
There is no cure for flat feet, so mild cases often go untreated, especially if they’re not causing any discomfort. However, for more severe cases causing pain or difficulty with mobility, there are several treatment options available that can help relieve the pain and improve the function of the feet.
The best course of action will depend on the severity of your condition and the underlying cause.
Here are some common treatments for flat feet.
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics are devices worn in shoes that help support the arch of the foot, giving flat feet the extra support they need. They can be custom-made or off-the-shelf, but getting ones that fit well and provide the proper support is essential.
As well as flat feet, orthotics can also help with conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
Good Shoes
Wearing shoes that fit well and support the foot’s arch can also help with flat feet. That’s why avoiding high heels, flip-flops, and other shoes that don’t offer much support is a good idea. Instead, opt for sneakers or shoes with good built-in arch support. A salesperson in a shoe store will often be able to recommend shoes that are good for flat feet.
Stretches or Exercises to Strengthen Arches
Some specific exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles and tissues in the feet and improve the arch, such as ankle pumps, toe raises, and towel curls.
These can all be done at home, but it’s a good idea to get guidance from a physical therapist or other healthcare professional to ensure you’re doing them correctly and not causing further damage.
These are just some of the most common treatments that can help alleviate flat feet pain and make it easier to manage. In addition to these treatments, some lifestyle changes can help, such as losing weight, resting the feet, and avoiding certain activities that may aggravate the condition. It’s important to speak to our podiatrists to discuss your best course of action if you’re struggling with the condition.
The Connection Between Flat Feet and Weakened Achilles Tendons
One of the possible causes of flat feet is having weak or shortened Achilles tendons. This is the large tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone and helps raise the heel when walking. If this tendon is not working correctly, it can collapse the arch of the foot, causing flat feet.
There are several reasons the Achilles tendon may be weakened or shortened, such as an injury, age-related changes, or arthritis.
As well as being a potential cause of flat feet, Achilles tendon problems can also be a consequence of the condition. That’s because the tendon can be put under extra strain when the foot arch collapses, leading to pain and stiffness or Achilles tendinitis.
If your Achilles tendon is causing you problems like flat feet, addressing the cause of the problem is important for long-term relief.
Physical Therapy to Help with Overuse Injuries or Poor Form
By addressing your Achilles tendon problem, you should find pain relief for your flat feet. Your Achilles tendon is put under a lot of strain during physical activity, and many injuries come from excessive or repetitive stress on the tendon. This is often seen in runners with poor form or in athletes taking up a new sport without gradually building up their mileage or intensity to train their muscles and tendons properly.
Physical therapy can help you heal and avoid future injuries by teaching you better form when running or performing other activities. They can also develop a strengthening and stretching program to help keep your Achilles tendon healthy, improve your flexibility and range of motion, and prevent future overuse injuries.
Contact Us for Help with Flat Feet
Flat feet can be a painful condition, but there are treatments available that can help alleviate the discomfort and make it easier to manage. If you think you may have flat feet, or are experiencing pain in your feet, contact us today. We can diagnose the condition and find the best flat feet treatment option for you.
With our help, you can get back on your feet and start living pain-free.
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