If you have flat feet, you may be at risk for foot pain and injuries. Flat feet can affect your overall health and may require treatment if discomfort occurs. With the proper foot treatment, you can avoid complications from flat feet and preserve your health.
What is Considered Flat Feet?
The arch of the foot is a gap under the inner area of the foot when you stand. When standing, the arch is slightly raised from the ground for most people. A flexible, stable arch of the foot is important to your body’s ability to absorb impact when you walk, run, jump, and perform other physical activities.
If your arch is extremely low or nonexistent, meaning that it’s flat on the ground when you stand, you have flat feet. Many people with flat feet don’t experience any pain or other symptoms. But, for some individuals with flat feet, the lack of arch in the feet can cause problems.
How Flat Feet Can Impact Your Health
People with flat feet often roll to the insides of the feet while walking and standing, which is called overpronation. Overpronation with flat feet can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet and ankles. But, the impact of walking with flat feet doesn’t only impact the feet and ankles. It can also strain the knees, hips, calf, and lower back. You may feel pain and stiffness in these areas, especially if the ankles rotate inward when you stand.
Flat feet also often cause an imbalanced distribution of body weight. This may cause shoes to become worn unevenly, which can further increase your risk of injury.
Dr. Guzman and the team of orthopedic professionals at Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine provide expert treatment for foot and ankle concerns. If you’re experiencing complications from flat feel, schedule an appointment at our office to learn about your options for achieving relief today!