What Are Flat Feet and How Do They Occur?
The condition known as flat feet is the same as having fallen arches. Flat feet are a result of weak muscles in the feet and are commonly associated with people who need to stand a lot while working. Waitresses and nurses are among the highest risk professions.
What are flat feet?
As the name suggests, it is a condition where the feet spread out and the arches sink. A normal wet footprint on the bathroom floor will have a blank space between the toe area and heel where the foot rises in an arch. Someone with flat feet will often produce a full footprint with little or no raised area producing a blank area.
What causes flat feet?
When someone has flat feet the condition is invariably caused by a pronounced weakness in two muscle groups within the feet. These are known as the tibial and peronal muscles. When behaving normally it is these muscles that form the arches of the foot. However, if the muscles weaken, the foot spreads and flat feet occur.
How do I know if I have flat feet?
The wet footprint is a very easy way to self-test for the condition.
What should I avoid doing if I have flat feet?
Because self-testing is so easy it is common for sufferers to try and cure the problem themselves by using supports placed inside shoes or boots. Unfortunately this is rarely the correct treatment and can, in fact, achieve completely the opposite effect than intended as the important muscles may well slacken and weaken more.
How can I get flat feet treated?
Even if you feel certain you have flat feet having done the footprint test you should seek confirmation from your doctor or chiropodist. Normally, the correct cure for flat feet is excercise but a healthcare professional is the best placed person to see for assistance with flat feet to ensure an excercise regime is organized that meets your particular circumstances.
I'm concerned my infant has flat feet
Don't panic! Flat feet is common - even normal - among infants. The foot arches take time to develop during infancy and, in some cases, so called "baby fat" also hides the developing arches. However, if you are still concerned raise it with your family doctor to seek confirmation and reassurance.
20.07.2010. 14:40
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