If the sole of your foot comes in full contact with the ground, you may have a condition referred to as flat feet, or fallen arches. The majority of babies are born with flat feet and generally will last until the age of 10, when the arches will develop. It’s commonly believed that a predisposed inherited gene may be the cause of this ailment. The muscles of the foot may become weakened due to an injury. Alternatively, if incorrect shoes have been worn with little or no support, flat feet may often be the result. Additional causes may include wearing high heels, how the feet age, and standing for long stretches of time in poorly fitting shoes. In some cases, the tendon that connects the heel to the calf is affected. This is called the Achilles tendon, and if this become injured, extreme discomfort is often experienced. Surgery may be recommended as an option for relieving pain. Having flat feet may also occur as an adult, and contributing factors such as diabetes and obesity may be significant causes. Please consider scheduling a consultation with a podiatrist for more information about flat feet.
Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Princeton Foot & Ankle Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Flat look to one or both feet
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Princeton, and West Windsor, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
