Flat Feet Treatment by Dr. Soumya Paik

Flat Feet Treatment in 2020

Flat feet (also called pes planus or fallen arches) is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. An estimated 20– 30% of the general population have an arch that simply never develops in one

or both feet.

A common and usually painless condition, flatfeet can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. In other cases, flatfeet develop after an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.

People with flat feet, also known as fallen arches, have either no arch in their feet

or one that is very low.

The condition is referred to as pes planus, or fallen arches. It’s normal in infants and usually disappears between ages 2 and 3 years old as the ligaments and tendons in

the foot and leg tighten. Having flat feet as a child is rarely serious, but it can last through adulthood.

Studies have shown children and adolescents with flat feet are a common occurrence. The human arch develops in infancy and early

childhood as part of normal muscle, tendon, ligament and

bone growth.

Flat arches in children usually become high arches as the child progresses

through adolescence and into adulthood. Children with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing knee, hip, and back pain.

A recent randomized controlled trial found no evidence for the efficacy of treatment of flat feet in children either from expensive prescribed orthotics i.e (shoe inserts) or less expensive over-the-counter orthotics.

As a symptom itself, flat feet usually accompany genetic musculoskeletal conditions such as dyspraxia, ligamentous laxity or hypermobility.

Causes A flat foot is normal in infants and toddlers, because the foot's arch hasn't yet developed. Most people's arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. This is a normal variation in foot type, and people without arches may or may not have problems.

Some children have flexible flatfoot, in which the arch is visible when the child is

sitting or standing on tiptoes, but disappears when the child stands. Most children outgrow flexible flatfoot without problems.

Arches can also fall over time. Years of wear and tear can weaken the tendon that runs along the inside of your ankle and helps support your arch.

Risk factors

Factors that can increase your risk of flatfeet include:

1. Obesity 2. Injury to your foot or ankle 3. Rheumatoid arthritis

4. Aging 5. Diabetes

Diagnosis

To view the mechanics of your feet, your doctor will observe your feet from the front and back and ask you to stand on your toes. He or she might also look at the wear pattern on your shoes.

Imaging tests If you're having a lot of pain in your feet, your doctor may order tests such as:

X-rays. A simple X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and joints in your feet. It's particularly useful in detecting arthritis.

CT scan. This test takes X-rays of your foot from different angles and provides much

more detail than a standard X-ray.

Ultrasound. If your doctor suspects an injured tendon, he or she may request

this test, which uses sound waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues within the body.

MRI. Using radio waves and a strong magnet, MRIs provide excellent detail of both hard and soft tissues.

Treatment Normally, the experienced orthopaedic do not treat flat foot if the child does not

experience pain. But they try to treat flat feet in the initial stages by making the child wear supporting shoes, perform stretching exercise, and undergoing physical therapy.

Also, they alleviate the pain experienced by the child by suggesting custom designed

arch supports. The experienced orthopaedic treat flat feet surgically only if the initial treatments fails. They perform surgery to correct the flat foot and related problem.

Recovery

The child with flat feet has to wear supporting shoes or perform stretching exercise for specific period. But the orthopaedic has to observe and examine the flat feet regularly to assess the effectiveness of the initial treatment.

The orthopaedic will require the child to rest his foot for a specific number of

days after performing the surgery. However, many doctors avoid performing surgery and continue initial treatment for a prolonged period.