What Are Flat Feet?
The term “Flat Feet” is a broad term used to describe feet with a low arch. The term has developed a bad reputation over the years. This is not 100% warranted. Some people with flat feet just have an anatomically low arch, i.e. the bone structure of their foot is such that it presents a low arch or flat foot. In such instances, these people may never have any problems related to their flat feet. Or at least, they are no more susceptible to injury than people with a neutral arch profile.
The real issue with flat feet comes when a person has a neutral or high arch profile when non-weight bearing, but a flat foot upon standing. The flattening of the arch usually occurs due to the heel and ankle rolling inwards. This is called pronation.
Pronation should occur each step when the heel hits the ground, to absorb shock. But when the foot pronates too far it causes excessive strain on several structures within the foot, potentially causing bunions, hammer toes, heel spurs, arch strain and neuromas. Excessive pronation can also cause pain within the ankles, shins, knees, hips and lower back.
The single biggest job of your podiatrist is to determine what is causing the excessive pronation. A failure to do this will decrease the chance of any treatment working. Footsmart Podiatrists focus on treating the cause rather than just attempting to relieve the pain.
