Flat Feet, Adult
A normal foot has a curve, called an arch, on its inner side. The arch creates a gap between the foot and the ground. Flat feet is a common condition in which one or both feet do not have an arch.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
Failure of normal arch to develop during childhood.
An injury to tendons and ligaments in the foot, such as to the tendon that supports the arch (posterior tibial tendon).
Loose tendons or ligaments in the foot.
A wearing down of the arch over time.
Injury to bones in the foot.
An abnormality in the bones of the foot called tarsal coalition. This happens when two or more bones in the foot are joined together (fused) before birth.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to …show more content…
Pain in the foot that gets worse with activity.
Swelling of the inner foot.
Swelling of the ankle.
Pain on the outside of the ankle.
Changes in the way you walk (gait).
Pronation. This is when the foot and ankle lean inward when standing.
Bony bumps on the top or inside of the foot.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam of your foot and ankle. Your health care provider may look at your shoes for patterns of wear on the soles. You may also have tests, including X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in feet (podiatrist) or a physical therapist.
TREATMENT
This condition may be treated with:
Stretching exercises or physical therapy. This helps increase range of motion and relieve pain.
A shoe insert (orthotic). This helps support the arches of your feet. It can be purchased from a store or they can be custom-made by your health care provider.
Wearing shoes with appropriate arch support. This is especially important for athletes.
Medicines. These may be prescribed to relieve
A normal foot has a curve, called an arch, on its inner side. The arch creates a gap between the foot and the ground. Flat feet is a common condition in which one or both feet do not have an arch.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
Failure of normal arch to develop during childhood.
An injury to tendons and ligaments in the foot, such as to the tendon that supports the arch (posterior tibial tendon).
Loose tendons or ligaments in the foot.
A wearing down of the arch over time.
Injury to bones in the foot.
An abnormality in the bones of the foot called tarsal coalition. This happens when two or more bones in the foot are joined together (fused) before birth.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to …show more content…
Pain in the foot that gets worse with activity.
Swelling of the inner foot.
Swelling of the ankle.
Pain on the outside of the ankle.
Changes in the way you walk (gait).
Pronation. This is when the foot and ankle lean inward when standing.
Bony bumps on the top or inside of the foot.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam of your foot and ankle. Your health care provider may look at your shoes for patterns of wear on the soles. You may also have tests, including X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in feet (podiatrist) or a physical therapist.
TREATMENT
This condition may be treated with:
Stretching exercises or physical therapy. This helps increase range of motion and relieve pain.
A shoe insert (orthotic). This helps support the arches of your feet. It can be purchased from a store or they can be custom-made by your health care provider.
Wearing shoes with appropriate arch support. This is especially important for athletes.
Medicines. These may be prescribed to relieve