What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with many symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. There are usually several types of flatfoot (flexible flatfoot, pediatric flatfoot, adult/acquired flatfoot), all sharing one particular characteristic: partial or total collapse (loss) of the arch.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a flat foot may include:
- Pain in the arch, inside or outside of the foot
- Knee, lower back and hip pain
- Rolling in of the ankle (pronation)
- General foot/ankle ache
Diagnosis
A thorough foot examination by a qualified podiatrist is usually required to ascertain the type of flatfoot and dictate proper treatment. X rays may be necessary to assist with this.
Conservative Treatment
Activity modification, orthotics, shoegear modification, rest, and physical therapy all have a part to play in conservative treatment of flatfoot.
Surgical Treatment
Should conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms, your podiatrist may discuss the possibility of foot surgery with you, pending X ray findings and considering your activity level, age and general health.