Can Flat Foot Be Corrected?

"Flat feet," also known as pes planus, commonly affects up to 1 in 4 people throughout their lives. When someone has flat feet, the arch bones of their feet are closer to the ground when they stand up. While some individuals can live with this condition without problems, others may experience foot pain and difficulty walking. This article will provide you with the best options to treat flat feet.

Can Flat Feet be cured in Adults?

The most common question regarding flat feet is can flat foot be corrected, especially in adults. A flat foot is a condition that usually starts in childhood. During development, the tissues and ligaments in your feet tighten generally together to form an arch that supports the bones in your feet. However, with flat feet people may not experience this tightening due to genetics, poorly fitted footwear, and certain physical activities. These ligaments may loosen as you age and cause flat feet later in life.

Several conditions can cause flat feet to develop, including rheumatoid arthritis, injury, and diabetes. Flat foot reconstruction surgery is a procedure that repairs the ligaments, tendons, and bone structure of your feet. It reshapes your foot so that your arches are better supported. Most adults who underwent the procedure experienced a measurable improvement in their symptoms.

Can Flat Foot Be Corrected Naturally?

While natural remedies cannot cure flat feet, they can help to reduce the symptoms. It's important to note that having a diagnosis of flat feet does not necessarily mean that you need surgical reconstruction. Many people live with flat feet without experiencing any pain or discomfort. In some cases, nonsurgical treatments can help individuals avoid surgery altogether.

If you have flat feet, there are several ways to help relieve pain and restore function apart from surgery. However, these treatments address the symptoms of flat feet and do not offer a permanent solution. Some of the alternatives include:

• Prescription orthotics

• Wearing a fitted boot to correct your arches

• Physical therapy

• Steroid shots to manage pain

• Frequent rest and immobilisation

• Over-the-counter shoe inserts or orthopaedic footwear

• Flat feet exercises, like calf muscle stretching, to increase mobility

It is important to consult a healthcare professional for the best course of action to alleviate discomfort associated with flat feet.

Best Ways to Treat Flat Feet

Apart from exercise, orthotics provides arch support to prevent over-pronation and helps to evenly distribute a person’s weight through the feet.

If conservative treatment options fail, doctors consider surgical intervention. Flat foot reconstruction surgery can help improve the mobility and function of your feet. Podiatrists assess imaging results and opt for fusion, tendon transfer, or osteotomy. The success rate of surgery for flat feet is approximately 95%. However, it's important to note that not everyone is a good candidate for this surgery, and complications can occur, like damage to the nerve or blood vessels, infection, and wounds.