It’s astonishing how many things can go wrong because of flat feet. Out of all the foot types one may have, having flat feet is one of the foot conditions that can results in a wide variety of complications.
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How do I know If I have Flat Feet?
A podiatrist will be able to assess if the patient has flat feet and this can be determined by a simple visual examination and can also be supported by in office x-rays.
Complications of leaving Flat Feet untreated
Untreated foot pain from flat feet can lead to surgery, permanent deformity and pain elsewhere in the body such as knees and back.
Some of the most common foot conditions caused by flat feet are:
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Tendinitis
- Arthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis/Heel Spurs
Some arches get flatter over time, however, most people who have flat feet are born this way. Since flat feet are hereditary, then the conditions named above are also.
Beware Of Store Bought Arch Supports
If you know your feet are flat and you’re experiencing foot pain, it seems logical that getting shoes with better arch support or purchasing arch supports would help. Sometimes that’s true but more often it's not. If the arches from the shoes or store bought arch supports don’t match perfectly to your arches, it can be uncomfortable.
One of the best things to do if you have flat feet, especially if you’ve experienced foot pain, is avoid flat shoes. You should also minimize going barefoot or wearing flip flops.
Flat feet are often incredibly unstable causing the bones, joints, ligaments and tendons to move excessively. Feet that move excessively and are unstable can lead to many different foot problems.
A Simple Solution
The number one treatment for flat feet is Custom Foot Orthotics. These inserts are the only way to effectively control and stabilize flat feet. Store bought arch supports aren’t effective.
Custom Foot Orthotics align the feet better which allows the bones, joints, ligaments and tendons to move optimally.
Many people who have had pain because of flat feet experience tremendous relief from custom foot orthotics. Not only do orthotics relieve foot pain, but they can also prevent many foot conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs, tendinitis and arthritis.
Can children be affected by flat feet?
The answer is Yes! Children are born with flat feet and its usually hereditary. Getting children evaluated at an early age is of great importance. Children who have flat feet and experience foot pain also benefit greatly from custom foot orthotics. Many active kids are brought to our office by their parents complaining of pain when playing a sport. Most often they have flat feet. Orthotics relieve the pain almost 100% of the time.
What can I do?
Many patients prolong to see a podiatrist until their foot pain becomes unbearable. Just a simple pain free stop by the office can benefit the patient from ongoing or unresolved pain and can also prevent irreversible damage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing foot pain and are not sure what is causing it, it may be flat feet. Contact us today at 973-777-5771 and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you and answer your questions. We are conveniently located in Clifton, New Jersey and look forward to helping you!
