Maybe you noticed something unusual: Unlike many other people, you don’t seem to have a defined foot arch. You might even observe this difference when you look at your footprint: Rather than seeing an indentation on the inner edge of your footprint, yours might look more undefined and blob-like.
If this is the case, you’re among the 20%-37% of people who have some degree of flat feet. It’s good to learn about what pitfalls can occur with the condition, which can affect your comfort, foot mechanics, and mobility.
Flat feet are one of the many foot conditions the expert team at South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers diagnoses and treats.
Though it’s common to have flat feet — as evidenced by the statistic above — not everyone is lucky enough to be symptom-free.
Maybe you never developed arches at all, or you did but they fell at some point. The most frequently cited cause of flat feet is tarsal coalition, which is when your foot’s tarsal bones fuse together, but other causes include arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendonitis.
Ankle and arch weakness, disorders of the nervous system and muscles, an injury of your ankle or foot, and tibial tendon damage (a strong tissue cord that helps hold up your arch and supports your foot as you walk) are also associated with flat feet. Finally, your arches can fall as you age.
Many people suffer no discomfort or other symptoms and live with their flat feet uneventfully. However, flat feet can alter the way you walk because they transfer the stress of your weight to different parts of your body that may not be able to sustain it.
Early symptoms of flat feet may include:
As symptoms progress, they do begin to affect your health in other ways, such as causing foot deformities like hammertoe and bunions, gait disorders, and pain even when you’re not walking.
Over time, pain can radiate to other parts of your body as well, including your knees, hips, and lower back.
Unfortunately, flat feet can also raise your risk for arthritis of the foot and ankle, repetitive strain injuries, and ankle sprains and instability.
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, even mild ones, it’s a good idea to talk to your podiatrist at South Florida Foot & Ankle Centers. They listen closely as you relate your concerns and symptoms, and recommend effective treatments. Your podiatrist may suggest:
It’s also a smart idea to make an appointment with your podiatrist now, even if you’re not feeling any symptoms. They can properly evaluate your flat feet — everyone is different — and talk about what to watch for down the road.
To book an appointment, simply call our Palm Beach Gardens, Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach or Port St. Lucie office, or you can book online with us.
