People with flatfeet have the arches on the inside of their feet flattened that is no arch, or it develops very low. It allows the entire soles of the feet to touch the floor when you stand up.
It is usually a painless condition that happens when the arches don't develop during childhood. In some cases, flatfeet occur post-injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.
Sometimes the condition can lead to problems in the ankles and knees because the state alters the alignment of the legs. Typically, when there is no pain, no treatment is necessary for this condition.
Most people have no signs or symptoms connected with flatfeet, but some experience foot pain, especially in the heel or arch area, that worsens with activity. The condition also causes swelling on the inside of the ankle.
Get a doctor advice if you or your child has foot pain.
A flat foot is usually expected in infants and toddlers as their foot's arch isn't developed. The arches grow throughout childhood; however, for some, it never happens, which is considered a normal variation in foot type. People that have no arches may or may not have problems.
Some children have flexible flatfoot, wherein the arch is seen when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes but is not visible when the child stands. Children usually outgrow flexible flatfoot without problems, and some arches fall over time. The years of wear and tear weakens the tendon inside the ankle that helps support your arch.
Factors that increase the risk of flatfeet are obesity, ageing, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and injury to the foot or ankle.
When the flatfeet cause minor pain, these remedies can help:
• Rest and don't perform activities that aggravate your condition. Practice doing low-impact activities like walking, biking or swimming — instead of jumping and running activities.
• Over-the-counter arch supports are available that helps to increase comfort.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help ease the pain.
• Losing weight supports reducing stress on the feet.
Patient Experience
Chief Arthur Mbanefo, 91 years old, former ambassador to the UN and Representative of Nigeria, thanks the American Hospital Dubai for the excellent medical treatment and personalized care he received.
