Flat feet
, medically known as pes planus, is a problem where the arches of the feet collapse. Some people are born with flat feet (congenital pes planus deformity) others develop flat feet later in life as their joints become more lax. Statistically, more people have flat or low arches than high arches. Flat feet can cause many different types of foot problems to occur, making support to the arches a necessity.
The Facts
Between 80 and 90 percent of infants born in North America have flat feet. Most of these infants present a flexible flat foot but a small percent have a rigid deformity. Most adolescent's feet will develop properly and not be flat when they reach adulthood but 20 percent of adults in North America will still have flat feet.
Identification
If you stand on pavement with wet feet and your entire foot from the toes to the heel makes an impression, you have flat feet. Even if you have a visible arch while sitting, if your arch collapses to make total contact with the ground upon weight-bearing, you have flat feet.
Effects
Flat feet can cause an array of problems like neuromas, plantar fascitis, ankle pains, knee pains, metatarsalgia and other painful foot problems. Runners often suffer from shin splints and sprains as a result of flat feet.
Solution
Flat feet can be supported by wearing arch supports, pre-fabricated inserts or custom foot orthotics. Any of these inserts will raise the arch and provide support and in many cases relieve foot problems associated with flat feet.
Misconception
Many people feel they can develop flat feet from wearing un-supportive shoes. Although ill-fitting shoes can cause foot problems, they will not alter the bone structure of the feet or forcibly cause a foot to become flat. Flat footedness is a deformity that is genetic and either develops over time or at birth.
Expert Insight
Foot orthotics can be prescribed by a physician to support flat feet and eliminate problems associated with flat feet. Over-the-counter or prefabricated inserts can also support flat feet and reduce foot problems. You do not need to obtain a prescription from a doctor to purchase prefabricated inserts.
Tags: flat feet, flat feet, have flat, foot problems, have flat feet, with flat, with flat feet