Flat Feet

A common problem where the arches in your feet collapse when you stand or walk. An abnormally flat arch can put extreme stress on your bones, joints, ligaments, fascia and tendons. When your not able to compensate for these stresses you can develop foot and ankle problems such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, knee pain, hip and low back pain.

Common reasons why you have flat feet

Being flat footed is determined at a young age. Most flat feet result from abnormal joint development leaving you with poor biomechanics. If you don’t remember having flat feet as a child, you may have a problem known as adult acquired flat foot (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction; PTTD). Adult acquired flat foot appears later in life and is the result of a weakened muscle and tendon that supports your arch.

Often people with flat feet have no pain, and some never suffer from any discomfort at all. However, when symptoms develop and pain is present , walking becomes difficult and stressed the feet, ankles, knees and back.

What can happen if you don’t support flat feet?

Prevention is the optimal solution for flat feet and helps avoid various foot and ankle problems. In more severe cases, knee, hip and low back pain can be common. Seek the advice of a foot and ankle specialist if you think you have flat feet. A biomechanical exam can help you find out if it's something to worry about.

What you can do if you have flat feet?

Wearing good quality shoes and arch supports (either custom or prefabricated) will help with most flat feet.. Exercising and stretching the muscles and tendons is also important. Arch supports or custom orthotics will provide additional support inside your shoes to let your feet function efficiently. Deciding between a custom made orthotic or a prefabricated insole depends on your foot and ankle condition. 

What Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre can do for you

Our Chiropodist will take a medical history, perform a biomechanical exam and gait analysis to determine your treatment options. The Chiropodist will recommend various treatment options including orthopedic shoes, orthotic therapy, physical therapy (Med X phototherapy, FOX therapy, Shockwave therapy), exercises and stretching to help you get back on your feet.