Overview:
The purpose of our feet is to provide a stable base of support for us to off push when we walk. Our feet need to have adequate mobility so they can absorb the load we put on them when we walk, run and play sports. Flat feet (Pes Planus) is a common term to describe feet without an arch. This anatomical variation can lead to less shock absorption when you walk. When your feet are not doing its job of shock absorption then the force of the ground during each step will overload other body parts. This can become an issue after a while when other body parts are being regularly overloaded due to your flat feet. It can be responsible for causing ankle, knee and back pain. This is evident in sports that require a lot of shock absorption including basketball, soccer and volleyball.
What causes flat feet?
- Genetics: people are born with anatomical differences and flat feet is a common genetic predisposition
- Biomechanics: We all move a bit differently; muscle weakness and tightness can often alter the way we walk and lead to foot pain. People with flat feet often have excessive pronation of the foot.
- Daily Activities: The different loads we put on our feet in our daily activities (e.g. sports) can over time strain the feet.
What can I do about it?
This is where a lot of misinformation and advice occurs surrounding the treatment of flat feet. The vast amount of information available on the internet and lead us to be confused and misinformed. It is important to note that many people can have flat feet without any symptoms. It is also difficult to completely fix the shape of flat feet. However, if you have foot pain after prolonged walks or sports then flat feet could be a contributing factor to your injury. Physiotherapy is also an evidenced based method to help manage the symptoms of flat feet. It involves using rehabilitation exercises to help strengthen the appropriate muscles to support the foot. This will help you more effectively cushion your foot when you walk. Orthotics with an medial arch support is also another common method to resolve flat feet. If you have aches and pains in your foot then it is best to seek help as early as possible to ensure a fast recovery. Our expert physiotherapist will take detailed assessment on your foot mobility, strength and how you move to determine the course of treatment for your flat feet.