Care for Flat Feet
What Is Flat Foot?
Flat foot is a condition where the arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. There are two basic types of flat feet: rigid flat foot and flexible flat foot. Those suffering from flat foot have no arch at all, but those diagnosed with flexible flat foot are able to make an arch appear when the toes are plantarflexed (pulled back towards the leg while the rest of the foot rests on the floor). This typically indicates that the flat foot is a result of pronation of the foot. Fixing flat feet is possible in both cases. Kesler Podiatry offers treatment for flat feet in Wayne, Pompton Lakes, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, NJ, Wyckoff, Fair Lawn, Midland Park, North Haledon, West Caldwell, and Paterson.
Fixing Flat Feet in Children
Many children have flat feet until arches develop by age 4-6. Children who experience foot or knee pain, walk on the outer edges of the feet, or limp may be developing flat feet. While orthoses are available, the best treatment is often to allow your child to go barefoot – especially on uneven terrain such as sand. Some studies have suggested that children who go barefoot or wear sandals instead of closed-toe shoes develop stronger and higher arches than those who wear shoes because the muscles of the feet have to work harder to maintain balance.
Symptoms of Flat Feet
Flat feet can usually be diagnosed with a simple examination. Most flexible flat feet do not cause pain, but those with rigid flat feet may experience common complications such as:
- Inflammation and pain in the ligaments in the soles of your feet
- Achilles and posterior tibial tendinitis
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Bunions
- Calluses
- Fixing Flat Feet
The exact treatment will depend on the cause of the flat feet. Typically a conservative treatment such as specific exercises, physical therapy, orthotics, or ankle braces will be prescribed but in some cases surgery is a good option. Call Kesler Podiatry for effective treatment of flat feet in Wayne as well as Pompton Lakes, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, NJ, Wyckoff, Fair Lawn, Midland Park, North Haledon, West Caldwell, and Paterson.