If you are dealing with flat feet, it is best that you are armed with information on the cause and what this may mean for your comfort and well being. No matter what, working with a professional podiatrist for treatment for flat feet will always give you the results that you are looking for.
Whenever a patient has feet that roll in excessively or are hypermobile, they are considered to be flat feet. When feet show as rolling in excessively, there is an appearance of having no arch contour. This portion will collapse when bearing weight, so the feet are said to be making up for a condition and displaying pronation.
There are a number of causes for such an abnormal pronation, including:
- Hypermobility, which happens to take place in about 10% of people
- Weakened muscles or abnormal muscle length
- Leg length difference caused by poor alignment of the pelvis
- Soft tissue or bony conditions that are hereditary in the food that leads to issues with walking patterns. The foot can unlock, which causes the arch to fall down closer to the ground.
- Muscle spasticity, such as cerebral palsy
- Abnormal leg rotations
- Spinal conditions, such as scoliosis
When it comes to pronation, this is a condition that can vary from one patient to another. This force on the body is abnormal and can be a big contributor to a number of soft tissue and body issues that can lead to pain. Whenever this pronation or flat feet turns into a condition that is abnormal or excessive, the symptoms may take place in the following regions:
- Hips, such as greater trochanter bursitis
- Thighs, such as iliotibial band syndrome
- Feet, such as bunions, corns, calluses, and hammer toes
- Shins, such as PTTD, posterior tibial tendinopathy, and shin splints
- Heels, such as heel spurs, Sever’s disease, plantar fasciitis, and heel pain
- Upper and lower back, including disc protrusion and sciatica
- Neck and head, which is only secondary to a postural alignment that is poor, which can take place with kyphosis.
Treatment Options
It is best that you visit your podiatrist in Seattle to learn all about flat feet and to get a detailed assessment of your legs, feet, hips, and knees to better pinpoint the cause of the problem. Your podiatrist will take a look at your walking pattern to assess your gain and then go over all of the available treatment options, including things like custom foot orthotics. These orthotics are just right for helping to control your leg pain, the abnormal forces that are causing issues with your stance, and any other symptoms.
There can be different conditions that will call for different therapies and your professional podiatrist will always know best. While working with Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, you will have the ability to learn about treatment in the form of manipulation, advice on footwear, massage, exercises, programs for postural balance, and much more. We will always be able to tailor a plan to your exact needs to work on a treatment that will get you relief and results.
It is always best to see a professional trained in podiatry when it comes to treatment for flat feet. Call Dr. Hall at (425) 482-6663 today for an appointment.
