01/05/2025
🦶📏 What Is Flat Feet? Symptoms and Treatment Process
Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot is lowered or entirely absent. Early detection during childhood is crucial, as in some cases it may resolve naturally with age, while in others it may persist and require intervention.
🔍 Types of Flat Feet:
🔸 Flexible (Physiological) Flat Feet:
Common in children. The arch appears flattened when standing but reappears when the child stands on tiptoe. Typically painless and does not require treatment.
🔸 Rigid (Pathological) Flat Feet:
The arch is absent in all positions. It may cause pain, fatigue, and difficulty standing for long periods. It can result from genetic factors, ligament laxity, or bone abnormalities.
⚠️ Common Symptoms:
● Inward tilting of the heels
● Pain in the feet and legs
● Fatigue during physical activity
● Uneven wear on the inner sides of shoes
● Postural imbalances
👣 How Is It Diagnosed?
🩺 Physical examination
🧍 Analysis of standing posture and walking
🦶 Footprint assessment (pedobarography)
🩻 Imaging, such as X-ray or MRI, if necessary
🩰 Treatment Options:
👟 Use of orthotic insoles
🧘 Stretching and physiotherapy
👣 Supportive footwear
🔁 Surgical intervention in persistent, painful cases
💬 Note: Not all cases of flat feet require treatment, but proper evaluation by an orthopaedic specialist is essential.