Developing flat feet is very common throughout the world. Even though, flat feet are notorious for the foot problems associated with them, there are millions of people who have none of the negative side effects.
People develop flat feet through their family history. This condition is passed down through the gene line.
It is normal for the foot to flatten while walking. This is part of how the body absorbs the shock of hitting the ground.
In certain cases, the foot flattening becomes too permanent and too exaggerated. This results in abnormal strain on the tendons and muscles in the legs.
As time passes, the flat footed person will begin to walk in a different way to accommodate these strains and it will result in further damage to the foot and lower leg. For example the strain of the ligaments and tendons will eventually create bunions and hammertoes.
In addition, the extra strain will cause people to become tired more quickly. When pain is felt, it is often centered on the arch area of the foot.
A severe condition of flat feet can result in hip, knee, and back pain as well. The worst conditions will develop arthritis in the foot.
One of the most common conditions related to flat footedness in plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition resulting from an injured plantar facia ligament. This ligament spans between the heel and the arch.
Although heel spurs are often developed as a result of plantar fasciitis, they are not the cause of the condition. Arches that are too high can also cause plantar fasciitis, although it is for different reasons.
Many people do not realize that they have flat feet because they examine their feet when they are sitting down or do not have their full weight on their foot. In these positions, the foot will naturally relax into a curved position, whether or not you actually have flat feet.
Sometimes flat footedness cannot be fully detected by external observation. Only an x-ray of the feet while standing on your feet will be able to tell the true condition that your feet are in.
The most common prescribed treatment for flat feet is the use of prescription shoe inserts that provide extra arch support. Some people like to use over-the-counter shoe inserts.
However, these do not work for most people because they are either made of a soft, padded material or plastic. If they are soft, they often do not provide enough arch support.
On the other hand, if they are plastic they will offer enough arch support, but they are not design to fit each person's foot in particular and they may offer more discomfort than pain relief. The best inserts are made from the patient's foot while it is in the correct position.
These specialized inserts are called orthotics and a used by a large percentage of the general population. Make sure that your foot doctor is credible before you buy a discounted orthotics option.
There are many scammers who would like to sell you homemade orthotics made from rudimentary measurements as custom designed and top of the line products. Do your research on the background of each foot doctor before you go and you will be able to make wise decisions.
Orthotics have very good success rates of relieving pain resulting from flat feet. They realign the foot and help it to work the way that it is supposed to.
The only cases that orthotics will not help is if the foot is stiff and inflexible. In some cases, side effects have resulted in the development of deformities that can only be removed through surgery.
It is important to wear shoes with good arch support in order to prevent developing flat feet. However, there are no worries if you develop flat feet because it is very likely that your condition is treatable.
Author Resource:-
Tom Selwick has worked as a foot doctor for the last 14 years and written hundreds of articles about having healthy feet. He recommends (http://www.drroths.com) for more information about plantar fasciitis and other foot related health issues.
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