Redmond Physical Therapy Flat Feet

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Redmond Physical Therapy
Symptoms & Pathologies

Flat Feet (or Fallen Arches): Foot Neutral

The normal arch functions as a shock absorber for our entire body. Each time we step down, we place up to 5 times our body weight on the foot, depending on whether we are walking, running, or jumping. If there was no shock absorber in the foot, the force of each step would eventually fracture or dislocate the bones of the foot, leg, and lower back. When the arch is flat (a flat foot) and cannot function properly. If left untreated, this will lead to a completely collapsed foot which cannot function as a shock absorber at all; and, this in turn will cause pain in the foot, and eventually into the knee, hip, and lower back.

Causes:

The anatomical arch is made up of bones and joints which are held tightly together in a precise relationship. In order for the arch to flatten out, the ligaments and tendons, which hold the joints together must be more flexible than normal. This abnormal flexibility may be a result of: the genes we inherit from our parents, the weakening of muscles and ligaments caused by advancing age, neuromuscular diseases, or injury. Injuries may include one severe trauma or years of standing for long periods of time in the wrong types of shoes (those with high heels or poor support). This flexibility of the bones, joints, and soft tissues is what causes the foot problems.

1. Pronation: Neutral Foot

Pronation is the most common and damaging medical problem that may occur as a result of flat arches. Pronation is a turning outward of the foot at the ankle, so that one has a tendency to walk on the inner border of the foot. This makes the inner ankle bone much more prominent than the outer ankle bone. Because pronation is a twisting of the foot, all of the muscles and tendons, which run from the leg and ankle into the foot will be twisted. If left untreated, pronation may be the cause of heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, frequent ankle sprains, shin splints, weak and painful arches, and eventually knee, hip, and lower back pain.

2. Structural Defects:

Structural defects are foot problems that may occur because the bones and joints of the foot are not held together with the optimal amount of tension. This allows the bones and joints to move into abnormal positions causing: bunions, hammertoes, neuromas, calluses, and corns. If these problems are left untreated, they become progressively more painful and debilitating.

Treatment:

In the child and adolescent, treatment must be directed to supporting the individual bones and joints which make up the arch, and to aid the arch in its job as a shock absorber during the individual's growing years. This support of the individual components of the arch will prevent the arch from flattening out further as growth continues, allowing a normal arch to be formed. Aiding the development of a normal arch is accomplished through the use of orthotics. Custom-made orthotics allow the all-too-flexible muscles and ligaments in the foot and ankle to tighten as growth continues, while taking over the job of a shock absorber. The use of custom-made orthotics will help to prevent biomechanical and structural foot problems from developing. This will reduce the probability of the following diseases from occurring in adulthood: pronation, shin-splints, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, serious ankle injuries, and hammertoes.
In the adult, treatment of flat feet must be directed to supporting the individual bones, joints, and muscles which make up the arch; and to provide adequate shock absorption for the entire body. This will help to alleviate pain in the foot, ankle, leg, knee, hip, and lower back. Preventing pain and the total collapse of the arch is accomplished through the use of orthotics. Orthotics are medical devices which gently support not only the arch, but each individual component of the arch and foot. This not only relieves arch and foot pain, but prevents the pain from returning, and keeps the arch from flattening out further. Custom-made orthotics help to relieve the pain caused by bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, neuromas, and muscle weakness.

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Disclaimer: This website is an information and education resource for health professionals and individuals with foot problems. It is not intended to be a service for patients and should not be regarded as a source of medical or diagnostic information, or used as a substitute for professional medical instruction or advice. Not all conditions and treatment modalities are described on this website. Any liability (in negligence or otherwise) arising from any third party acting, or refraining from acting, on any information contained on this website is hereby excluded.