FLAT FOOT: Understanding the Hidden Impacts and Solutions
By Dr Rajiv Agrawal, Clinical Director (Prosthetics &
Orthotics) | Foot Care Jaipur |
Flat foot, also known as pes planus, is a
common foot condition that affects millions globally, yet it often goes
unnoticed until it causes pain or discomfort. Characterized by the absence or
collapse of the foot's arch, flat foot can impact posture, gait, and overall
musculoskeletal health.
Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts
In the short term, individuals with flat feet may
experience:
- Foot
fatigue after prolonged standing or walking
- Mild
to moderate pain in the arch or heel
- Swelling
along the inner ankle
If left unaddressed, long-term consequences can
include:
- Chronic
knee, hip, or lower back pain due to altered biomechanics
- Increased
risk of plantar fasciitis and tendonitis
- Early-onset
arthritis in the lower extremity joints
- Decreased
physical activity due to discomfort
Causes of Flat Foot
Flat feet may be:
- Congenital
(present from birth)
- Acquired
over time due to aging, injury, obesity, or conditions such as posterior
tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Result
of neuromuscular diseases like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy
- Due
to some kind of trauma, muscle weakness, ligament & tendon
injuries
As per Estimates, around 25-30% population is suffering with
flat foot, which might be symptomatic as well as asymptomatic. Which if remains
untreated may cause sever problems at a later age.
Visual Clues: How to Identify Flat Foot
A simple visual assessment can help:
- Ask
the individual to stand barefoot.
- Look
for a complete or near-complete contact of the inner sole with the
ground.
- From
the back, check if the heel tilts outward and the inner ankle
bulges.
- A
common DIY test is the “wet footprint test”: stepping on a dry
surface with a wet foot. A flat foot leaves a full imprint, showing no
arch.
Precautions and Lifestyle Measures
To manage flat feet, consider:
- Proper
footwear preferably with custom insoles
- Avoiding
barefoot walking on hard surfaces
- Maintaining
a healthy weight to reduce stress on the feet
- Stretching
and strengthening exercises, especially for the Achilles tendon and
posterior tibial muscle
Treatment Protocol
Flat foot treatment varies with severity:
- Conservative
care:
- Custom
orthotic insoles to support the arch
- Exercises
to strengthen foot and ankle muscles
- Anti-inflammatory
medication for pain relief
- Advanced
care:
- Immobilization
/ correction using braces
Conclusion
Flat foot is more than a foot problem—it's a biomechanical
condition that can affect the entire body. Early recognition and timely care
are essential to prevent future complications. With the right approach,
individuals with flat feet can lead active, pain-free lives.
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