Flatfoot is a common disorder in which the arch of one or both feet flattens. It is easily identified, as the entire sole of the affected person’s foot touches the floor when they stand. While the condition itself is typically painless, it can cause problems elsewhere in the body due to the way it alters the alignment of the leg.
One of the most common varieties of the disorder is flexible flatfoot, which begins in childhood. The arch will appear when the child is sitting down or on tiptoe but disappears as soon as they put full standing pressure on the foot. While many children grow out of flexible flatfoot, for some in perpetuates into adulthood. It is also possible to acquire flatfoot as an adult, either by injury or as a result of diseases such as arthritis or diabetes.
Flatfoot treatments are usually conservative, including orthotics and supportive footwear. Surgery is possible but is typically performed to correct the cause of flatfoot mending a torn tendon, for instance. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, can also be helpful.
If your arches have collapsed, make an appointment to see your podiatrist as soon as possible. Flatfeet may not be initially painful but can cause serious wear and tear if left untreated.
Orthotics Orthotics are a great way to help with issues related to walking and alignment, including knee, foot, and lower back pain. They can help to realign the bones in the foot and ankle and take stress off other parts of the body, such as the back, neck, shoulders, and hips. Custom foot orthotics also cushion your feet, provide comfort, support your arches, and evenly distribute your body weight to eliminate pressure on your feet.
Custom foot orthotics are specially-made devices that fit inside most shoes. They match the contours of your feet precisely and are designed for the way you move.
Orthotics can help anyone with discomfort relating to walking, or imbalances in the body that are known to cause-related pain. A tremendous benefit of custom orthotics is that they can be worn on a daily basis and utilized during most activities.
Custom orthotics can be prescribed by your doctor and last well over a year in most cases. While over-the-counter shoe inserts are available at most drugstores, they lack the custom-built precision of a prescription orthotic. These ‘one-size-fits-all’ inserts rarely match your feet well or provide the customized support you need.
Interested in incorporating orthotics into your treatment plan?
Contact us and schedule an appointment to discuss how custom orthotics might ease your discomfort.
