Flat feet, often known as fallen arches, are a prevalent foot issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Many people who have flat feet suffer from persistent foot pain and discomfort, which can have a negative influence on their quality of life. Some individuals wonder if flat feet are a true foot disease or just a name for chronically sore feet. In this post, we will look at the truth regarding fallen arches and why they are such a serious foot issue.
There are two main types of drop feet:
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Flexible
This is a milder and more common form of drop foot. The arch of the foot is visible until the person is standing. When a person stands up, the arch disappears due to the weight. This condition most often affects both feet.
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Rigid
In case of rigid drop foot, the arch of the foot is not visible at all whether the person is standing or not. Pain is common with this form of dropped foot.
Causes
To begin, it is necessary to define flat feet. When the arches of the feet collapse and the entire sole of the foot comes into touch with the ground, this is referred to as having flat feet. This can occur as a result of a number of causes, including heredity, trauma, and medical diseases like as arthritis and diabetes, but there are also several possible cause that, rarely, the cause is a disorder in the structure of the bones and joints of the foot, i.e. the bones are fused and do not allow normal movement in the foot. In most cases, such feet are painful. These are rigidly lowered feet.
Flat feet can also contribute to other foot issues such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. These diseases are caused by greater stress on the foot as a result of the foot's changed posture. They can cause chronic pain and discomfort, limiting a person's ability to do daily tasks.
Myths
One prevalent myth regarding flat feet is that they are caused by weak foot muscles. While weak muscles can contribute to flat feet development, they are not the only cause. Genetics, in fact, play an important influence in the development of flat feet. Children are more prone to acquire flat feet if one or both parents have the ailment.
Another common myth regarding flat feet is that they are merely a name for chronically hurting feet. Flat feet, on the other hand, are a real foot issue that can have a considerable influence on a person's quality of life. People with flat feet may find it difficult to stand or walk for extended periods of time, and they may endure persistent foot pain and discomfort, making participation in physical activities challenging.
Recognize Flat Feet
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By the appearance of the feet
You will easily notice this shape of the foot when the child is standing upright. The inside of the foot will be completely or almost completely connected to the floor.
If you look at the feet from behind, you will notice that the child's Achilles heel is not flat, but slightly rounded in an outward arc.
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Toe-up test
The test with which you can determine whether a child has foot drop is simple. You can easily perform it even with the smallest child. It's called the fingertip lift test.
Treatment
So, how may flat feet be treated? The good news is that there are various therapy options available to aid with flat foot issues. Orthotics, which are custom-made shoe inserts that give foot support, are a common therapy choice. These inserts can assist to redistribute pressure on the foot, reducing pain and discomfort.
Physical therapy can also help persons who have flat feet. A physical therapist can work with the patient to create exercises that will help strengthen the muscles and ligaments in the foot and improve the overall function of the foot.
Surgery may be required in some circumstances to treat flat feet. Surgery, on the other hand, is normally suggested only in severe situations where other treatment options have failed to offer relief.