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FLAT FEET in Children & Adults By Dr. John Goodner, D.P.M.
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SIGNS– A flat arch when standing or the he arch of a person’s foot is the foot excessively points to the outside especially main supporting during gait. Bulging of the bones on the inside structure of the body. It of the ankle and foot are usually seen. Flatfeet is composed of bones are usually associated with knock-knees and that are connected by ligaments. If the ligaments abnormal shoe wear. RELATED PROBLEMS– Back and knee are strong, the integrity of the arch remains intact. Ligaments that are loose or weak allow problems are seen, especially in children and the arch to flatten. When this occurs, muscles men. Hammertoes, heel spurs and bunions are try ineffectively to hold up the arch. Pain in often associated with flatfeet as a person ages. the foot, legs, ankle and back often develops. Arthritis in the foot, ankle, knees, hips and back CAUSES– Flatfeet include loose ligaments is also common with aging. Inactivity, which in the arch. Trauma to tendons or bone abnor- can cause weight gain and poor cardiovascular malities can cause the foot to flatten. Tight calf fitness may also result. TREATMENT– The first step is identifying muscles can severely aggravate the condition. Arthritis in the foot or ankle (rheumatoid or the area of pain and underlying cause as early psoriatic) can be a predisposing factor in flatfeet. as possible. Other treatments include: wearing proper shoe gear and custom molded orthotics SYMPTOMS– Pain usually in the arch, ankles to support the foot and the entire extremity; and legs aggravated by standing and walking physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, is a symptom. Premature fatigue during any balance and coordination; stretching of the type of activity frequently occurs. Cramping calf muscles in a cast to diminish excessive in the legs, especially at night, is common. In strain on the arch and improve flexibility; and children, a general lack of interest in participating surgery to correct the deformity and return in sports may also be seen. the child or adult to full function.
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Dr. John Goodner is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine is located at 17842 NW 2nd St Pembroke Pines, FL 33029-2806. Call our office at (954) 430-9901. www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com Instagram @SouthFloridaSportsMedicine Twitter @SFLSportsMed
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