Flatfeet - Diagnosis and treatment

If you have flat feet, also known as pes planus, it means that your foot doesn’t have a typical arch when standing. This health condition may hurt when you engage in a lot of physical exercise. It's common in children and goes away when they attain the age of two or three years old. At this stage, the tendons and ligaments in their legs and feet get tighter, and the condition gets cured automatically. Take a look at the article to learn about diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and home remedies for flat feet.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is based on how you feel and how your arch seems when you walk, sit, and stand.

Doctors may suggest the following imaging tests to examine your bone structure and diagnose flat feet:

• X-ray

• CT scan

• Ultrasound

• MRI

The doctor can also examine the wear pattern of your shoes. The podiatrist will analyse the strength in your ankles and ascertain the exact location or area of pain.

Treatment

Many people with flat feet don't require medical attention or have complications. If you experience stiffness or discomfort, your doctor might suggest nonsurgical therapy.

Depending on the severity of this health condition, the mode of treatment is decided by doctors. To find out the cause of a flat foot, it's vital to consult an orthopaedic or podiatrist. Some nonsurgical treatment options include:

• Orthotics: Arch-supporting and raising shoe inserts may help relieve your problems.

• Braces: Your arch can be stabilised and supported using a variety of braces.

• Weight loss: Reducing excess weight might help your foot feel less stress and discomfort.

• Physical therapy: Doctors may recommend visiting a physical therapist for therapy. This is because the flat feet cure involves strengthening muscles and correcting leg posture. It also helps to maintain foot joint mobility and prevents additional arch collapse.

Surgery is rarely required to treat flat feet. However, surgery may be considered if a person has persistent pain, which limits his/her mobility and ability to perform everyday tasks. Also, doctors may think of surgical procedures if nonsurgical treatment options fail. Surgery is not limited to correcting flat feet; it can be done to repair tendons and bones causing pain and discomfort.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Individuals who are overweight or lead sedentary lifestyles with little exercise are likely to worsen flat feet symptoms. Simple actions like losing weight, exercising frequently, and getting enough rest after strenuous activity will have a long-lasting impact on your overall health and feet.

Most people with flat feet will see that stretching helps relieve pain following prolonged standing. Arch supports and proper rest also enhance recovery. Some of the best exercises for flat feet are:

• Heel stretches

• Tennis/golf ball rolls

• Calf raises

• Towel curls

• Stair arch raises

• Arch lifts