Flat Foot
A flat foot deformity is a condition where the long arch (or instep) of the foot collapses and comes into contact with the ground. The condition can begin in early childhood, where the normal arch position never develops. In children, a flat foot deformity can be associated with a tarsal coalition, where two or more bones fuse together and inhibit normal foot motion, leading to a flat foot. Surgery is recommended for the treatment of these tarsal conditions. However, most flat foot deformities are flexible, and are the result of soft tissue laxity in the foot. Many people call this condition “fallen arches,” which is a misnomer.
If left untreated, a patient with a flat foot type is more prone to injuries of the ligament and tendon, such as chronic ankle sprains. In some cases, the biomechanical instability associated with flat feet can lead to bone deformities like bunions and hammertoes, and actually cause arthritic bone changes.
Early treatment using custom orthotics can prevent a patient from developing any of the symptoms associated with flat feet. When patients experience pain from their flat feet, a physical therapy regimen and oral anti-inflammation medications are generally added to the orthotics regimen to help alleviate the patient’s painful symptoms.
