Noticeable Signs Of Flat Feet
Flat feet is a medical condition in which the individual's feet have no (or a very minimal) arches, making their feet appear flat. When they stand, the sole of the foot will touch the floor. This condition is common and tends to be painless. It sometimes occurs if the foot's arches don't have normal development during childhood. Flat feet can also occur as an individual ages and their feet naturally experience wear and tear.
In some cases, flat feet don't develop until after a person has sustained an injury. Though the condition is painless on its own, it tends to contribute to knee and ankle problems due to a change in the legs' alignment. For individuals who do not experience pain due to flat feet, no treatment is necessary.
Back And Leg Pain
If an individual has flat feet that require medical treatment, one of the first potential symptoms is back and leg pain. It should be noted, however, there are hundreds of conditions that can cause pain in the back and legs. Patients will typically know if they have flat feet and that this could be the cause of their pain, because their entire sole will touch the ground when standing. If this doesn't happen, patients might want to investigate other potential causes of back or leg pain.
Flat feet might contribute to problems with the ankle or knee as well. They may also cause back pain because of alterations to posture. A flat variation in foot type tends to be normal. Sometimes, children will experience a flexible flat foot. When the child stands on tiptoes or sits, the arch can be seen, but when the child stands, the arch disappears.
Feet That Tire Easily
One of the types of discomfort flat feet may cause is feet that tire easily. Typically, treatment consists of simple exercises and devices to help with the foot function. There are other potential causes of feet tiring easily. Sometimes a condition that causes exercise intolerance will be the cause, and in other cases, flat feet and tiredness are a sign of a different underlying medical condition.
Not everyone with flat feet tires easily. When this occurs, it tends to be related to the underdevelopment of the muscles in the feet. It might also be related to potential damage to those muscles. If a patient is concerned about their feet tiring too easily, they should contact a doctor to make sure another medical condition isn't responsible.
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.