Houston Foot Specialists

Flat feet in themselves are not a problem. But running on flat feet is almost like running on gelatin. Flat feet turn inward (overpronation * ), causing legs to turn inward, and contribute to such "overuse" injuries as shin splints and back problems. Flat feet also can produce heel spurs * If pain develops as a result of any of these conditions, flat feet and the problems they cause need treatment. During World War II, young men who had flat feet were disqualified from military service because it was believed they could never make it in the infantry. Functional orthoses are proposed after the biomechanical assessment and casting of the feet. They are built by numerous ways to correct the structure of the foot in its most functionally effective position. The orthotic, moulded from the cast, is meant to strengthen the foot and also to stop it from shifting into an unbalanced position when walking or running. Children as well as adults may be flat-footed. Most children are flat-footed until they are between the ages of 3 and 5 when their longitudinal arch develops normally. What are the symptoms? A common problem with flat feet is that it leads to over pronation while running. Over pronation means the foot uses the big toe and the second toe more than the other toes in pushing off body weight while running. As such the impact of body weight does not spread evenly throughout the entire foot and an abnormal angle forms between the ankle and the foot. In children, shoe orthotics may not be effective enough treatment for flat feet. Instead, allowing them to go barefoot on surfaces that give the muscles ample exercise might prove helpful. Do not resume training where you left off. Depending on how much time you missed, you may need to start at 25% – 50% of your usual program and increase 10% or so a week from there or as instructed by your physical therapist, doctor or coach. Replace worn shoes and consider a replacement insole in ALL of your shoes for optimal support and cushion. There are lots of reasons behind the absence of arch. Some causes diminish with time and some may be carried on for a lifetime, but they are not related to any serious complications. Following are some of the common causes. Most babies have " pes planus " because the arches develop gradually during childhood, but in some cases, the arches simply never develop at all. Older people can also develop flat feet if their arches fall due to the weakening of the tendons that runs along the inside on the ankles. In some rare cases, foot pain can result in children when two or more of the bones in the foot fuse together and cause flat feet. Sometimes physical injuries can cause the foot tendons to become inflamed, eventually causing the arches to fall. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done to prevent this condition. Place a towel on the floor in front of a chair. While sitting in the chair, place both of your feet on the towel. While using one foot to hold the towel in place, curl the toes of the opposite foot to pull the towel toward you. Repeat with your other foot. If this exercise becomes too easy, place a small book or weight on the towel for resistance. Other Treatments Your daily exercise program for all diabetics can be walking, and you should do it at least 5 days a week for at least 20 to 30 minuets a day. Leg Length Inequality - If one leg is longer than the other, one foot may be flat in relation to the other to compensate. Usually the foot on the longer limb will have a flatter arch in an effort to shorten that limb, balancing-out the unevenness. Leg length inequality can be caused by spinal abnormalities such as scoliosis It can also be due to an actual difference in length of one leg bone compared to the other. If someone in your family is suffering from flat foot pain, a skilled McKinney podiatrist from Premier Foot & Ankle can help. To schedule an appointment, call us today at 214-778-1239