
Flat foot is a common condition which is faced by around 20 to 30% of the overall population. In this condition, the arches inside the feet are flattened that allows the entire sole of the feet to touch the floor when you stand up. It is a commonly occurring yet mostly a painless condition that results when the arches are not developed properly during the childhood. There are many other reasons for flat feet such as injury to feet, simple wear and tear stress and even age.
However, it is important to understand that flat feet can lead to problems in ankles and knees as this condition can alter the alignment of the legs. If there is no pain, treatment is not needed but if this condition is painful, you need to see a specialist who can prescribe the right mods of treatment to live with this condition. With the best flat foot specialist in Queens NY, it is now possible to live a normal life and manage your condition in the most effective manner with accurate diagnosis and the right treatment method.
When too see a flat feet specialist
It is important to seek a doctor when facing symptoms of flat feet as they can be managed better in early stages. The symptoms vary from person to person as well as the patient’s activity level and type of footwear that is used. In most of the case, patients report heel or arch pain, Achilles tendinitis, pain in the subtalar joint or ankle discomfort and report difficult in exercise and pain in hip, back or knee.
One of the causes can be rare congenital defect, present at birth, such as vertical talus, which manifests as a rigid rocker-bottom flat foot. But it is essential to know that most of the babies and toddlers have flat feet as the arch structure has not developed yet and it’s usually developed during early childhood after a child turns 3.
There are many other reasons as to why an individual can develop flattening of the arch. The causes of acquired flat foot are:
- Connective tissue disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis
- Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus
- Osteoarthritis
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon; when the tendon on the inside of the ankle loses its functionality
- Obesity
- Aging
- Trauma
If you suffer from any of these problems, it is time to see a flat foot specialist to deal with this condition most effectively.
Prescribed treatments for flat feet
Treatment for flat feet depends on the severity and the cause of the problem. It is up to the doctor to examine the feet carefully, ask about the problems you are facing and recommend the best treatment that would alleviate pain.
Arch supports (orthotic devices) – there are some over-the-counter arch supports available that help with the pain or the doctor might even recommend arch supports that are custom designed to mold to the contours of your feet. These arch supports do not cure but reduce the pain and symptoms.
Stretching exercises – people suffering from flat fleet might also face shortened Achilles tendon and the best way to deal with this condition is stretching exercise
Support shoes – there are support shoes available in the market that the doctor might advise you to wear as they are more comfortable than ordinary shoes and offer relief from pain
Physical therapy – due to flat feet, you might face some injuries when walking or running or other problems; physical therapy can help to improve the form and technique for walking and running
With the most experienced and skilled flat foot specialist in Queens NY, you can look forward to the best treatment to live normal life and enjoying daily activities without any restrictions.