Noticeable Signs Of Flat Feet

Painful And Aching Feet

The most common complication of flat feet is painful and aching feet. This often happens because the connecting ligaments of the foot are strained, and the muscles may also be strained or underdeveloped. If there are unusual stresses on your hip or knee, patients may experience pain in their feet. For patients who experience pain, there are a few places it's most commonly felt. Patients might find the inside of their ankles painful. In addition, the ankles might be swollen. The arch may be painful thanks to the strained muscle tissue. Because of changes in leg alignment, patients may experience calf and lower back pain. Knee and hip pain tends to occur when there's stress on those joints.

Difficulty Moving The Foot

If someone has flat feet, they may find they experience difficulty moving their feet. This is a fairly rare complication, and it may be a sign of another underlying medical condition. If an individual is having trouble moving their feet, and changes in footwear haven't helped the problem, they should see a podiatrist to ascertain the cause. Many foot conditions are treatable, including flat feet. 

Doctors may recommend many different exercises to help strengthen the foot and restore range of motion. When there's difficulty in moving the feet, this is typically caused by damage or weakness to the muscles in the arches of the feet. Exercises can help to combat this.

Swollen Bottoms of Feet

Patients with flat feet might find themselves experiencing swollen bottoms of feet. Many conditions can cause foot swelling other than flat feet. If an individual does have flat feet, these things may be more likely to cause swelling. Standing or even sitting in one position for a long period of time can cause swelling in the feet. Walking with improper footwear can also cause swelling, as can long periods of travel. 

If an individual has swollen feet, one of the best things they can do is elevate the foot. Patients may also benefit from compression socks. It helps to take regular breaks and walk around to stimulate the circulatory system as well. When the heart pumps blood to the legs, the swelling will be reduced.