What are flat feet?
The human foot is a complicated structure, consisting of about 26 bones, numerous
joint, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Each set of feet are unique, but may
share certain certain basic structural qualities. Flat feet are low arched
and fairly common. Most flat feet are what podiatrists term ,pronated. Closer
examination of the weight-bearing pronated foot reveals:
Flat feet may be the result of abnormality in the alignment of bones, excessive
elasticity of the ligaments, muscle imbalance, or some combination of these.
To complicate matters further, not all pronated feet appear flat, and some
feet which appear flat are not pronated. Flat feet may be severe and apparent
at birth, these may require corrective treatment with plaster casts or surgery.
More commonly flat feet develop during youth, symptoms may develop anytime,
and some flat feet never become troublesome. They may run in families, but
there is no certainty they will develop.
Pronated feet alter the alignment of the foot, ankle, leg, pelvis, and lower
back. Problems may develop at any level. The pronated foot is unstable. This
results in excessive and abnormal motion across joints, and may result in
fatigue and strain - often describes as "tired feet". Long tern
consequences include; arthritis, bunions, heel spurs, Morton's neuroma, and
other deformities. Shin splints (pain in the muscles of the lower leg) may
result from these muscles overworking in a attempt to compensate for foot
instability.
This is a complex deformity which should be properly evaluated by a podiatrist. He or she may recommend functional posted foot orthotics. These are special supports which help compensate for mechanical faults, and allow your feet to function with improved efficiency. Orthotics relieve stress from compromised joints, ligaments, and muscles. Deforming forces acting on the foot are diminished.