Flat Feet
Pain Symptoms
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Shoulder & Neck Pain
Spine & Joints
- Disc-herniation
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- Ankylosing Spondylitis
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Upper Limbs
Lower Limbs
Fallen arches
Feet are the base of a person. If the base is not stable enough, the upper part of the body would also be affected. Flat feet is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. Many people have flat feet, and notice no problem, and require no treatment.
Aggravating pain
Soreness over heel, then progress to sharp pain, especially at the first touch to the ground after waking up from the bed. Pain would decrease after a short stroll. However, pain would aggravate again after prolonged walking.
Almost all people are born with flat feet!
Most people's arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. Arches can also fall over time. Years of wear and tear can weaken the tendon that runs along the inside of your ankle and helps support your arch. Obesity, diabetes, and injuries are also some of the factors that can increase the risk of flatfoot.
Choose the right shoes
Here are some factors that parents should consider to help the children's feet develop properly. Find properly fitting shoes, avoid poor-fitting shoes and encourage enough barefoot time at home.
Treating flat feet
- Insoles: suitable insoles can help correct the biomechanics of the feet.
- Spine and Physiotherapy adjustment: focus on the sole, release the muscle tension and promote blood circulation.
- Exercise therapy: feet muscles strengthening exercise together with a proper posture, damage to the feet can be minimized.
- Physiotherapy: ultrasound, interferential therapy, etc. are used to promote the blood circulation and relieve inflammatory responses.
Flat feet FAQ
What harm do flat feet bring？
Our legs and feet are the foundation of our balance. If they cannot provide enough support, there is an increased risk of joint problems due to poor posture and unnatural gait.
Are flat feet a congenital anomaly？
Flat feet can be a genetic birth defect, congenital bone anomalies and inadequate muscle strength. It can also be an acquired condition due to poor walking posture and lack of exercise.
Should I wear orthotic insoles for support？
Please use orthotic insoles as advised by your doctor. Otherwise, your muscles or tendons may be injured. You may also suffer from related symptoms such as pain in the back, legs, ankles or elbows.
Can flat feet be fixed？
Yes. If you feel pain, rigidness or other problems in your flat feet, please consult your doctor. Manual therapy is typically used to treat rigid flat feet and problems in bones and tendons.
When can flat feet be fixed？
The condition of flat feet usually disappears by the age of 6 as the feet become less flexible and the arches are fully grown. Yet, 1 to 2 in every 10 children will continue to have flat feet after growing up. For children with no arch, treatment is not recommended unless there is rigidness or pain.
