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 basic structural qualities. Flat feet are low arched and fairly common. Closer examination of the weight-bearing foot reveals:
- Turning out of the heel bone away from the centre of the body
- Inward rotation of the leg
- Bulging of the inner aspect of the ankle
- Shifting of the forefoot outward from the heel
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. Flat 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".
Causes
- Genetic predisposition
- Abnormal bony architecture
- Laxity of ligaments
- Neuro-muscular disease
- Trauma to the leg muscles or major tendons
- Inflammatory diseases of the joints e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis
- Surgical procedures on the leg and ankle
- Limb length inequality
- Tight Achilles tendon
What you can do
- Wear shoes with a good fit in the arch
- Keep active and fit to strengthen leg and foot musculature
- Control body weight to decrease load on the feet
- Avoid prolonged periods weight bearing with bare feet
What the doctor may do
- Apply orthopedic taping to support strained ligaments and joints
- Prescribe physical therapy modalities
- Prescribe functional foot orthotic devices (insoles) to stabilize the foot and control motion
- Prescribe an ankle-foot orthosis when greater control is required
- Surgically correct a severe symptomatic flatfoot
