Do I have flat feet?
The simplest way to find out whether you have flat feet is to look in a mirror while standing barefoot. If your whole foot touches the floor in an uninterrupted line, you have flat feet.
With flexible flat feet, you have a foot arch if you're not bearing weight. With rigid flat feet, you don't have any foot arch even off your feet.
What kind of problems do flat feet cause?
Flat feet can lead to many issues, including:
- Foot pain
- Severe pain after long periods of standing or physical activity
- Abnormal walking patterns
- Foot cramping
- Easily-tired feet
Flat feet can also cause changes in the bones, tendons, and ligaments inside your feet. Because of that, bunions are a common issue in flat feet sufferers. Those with flat feet are also more likely to have foot problems like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis.
Your feet usually help maintain healthy alignment for your whole lower body, but flat feet disrupt your posture and change your entire lower body alignment. This can lead to foot area problems, as well as pain in other areas, including your legs, knees, hips, and lower back.
What causes flat feet?
The Rhode Island Foot Care team performs a foot exam and observes your feet while you're standing and sitting. To diagnose the problem behind your flat feet, they'll typically perform imaging tests like digital X-rays.
The most common cause of flat feet in adults is usually wear-and-tear, which weakens your foot's support structures.
Obesity, foot trauma, diabetes, and arthritis are all common contributing factors to this wear-and-tear.
How does flat feet treatment work?
Treatment varies with symptoms and underlying causes of your flat feet. The Rhode Island Foot Care team may recommend custom orthotics, special exercises, and more supportive shoes to gently restore healthy foot alignment while easing your symptoms.
If you have bunions associated with flat feet, the team may also recommend Lapiplasty®, a surgery that corrects the bone misalignment and stabilizes the joint. It offers a lower chance of bunion recurrence than traditional bunion surgery, where the surgeon simply removes the bony bump.
For flat feet treatment with care, talk to the experts at Rhode Island Foot Care. Book an appointment online or by phone today.
