Flat foot is a condition that can persist after arches fail to develop during the early stages of childhood, or can be acquired later on in life. For some, this condition does not affect their quality of life, which is why they go through life without addressing their flat-footedness.
If you have flat feet, you might be wondering if you need to take action and if medical help is needed. You can know more about it here.
When Should You Be Worried?
People with flat feet generally have pretty average experiences, which is why podiatrists only recommend treatment if the feet are causing discomfort and pain. This includes pain in the lower back, hips, or knees.
Despite not causing pain, those with this condition should remember that it can cause balance issues and difficulty walking, which can affect the quality of their lives.
If these are not enough to spur you into action, you should also remember that they can boost risks for arthritis, bunions, and other foot problems.
The best way to go is to consult a specialist to find out how your case can affect your life and if it can result in other issues later on.
Easy Treatments for Flat Foot Pain
If you are concerned about the type of treatment that will be recommended to you, you should know that surgery is not a common way to help people with flat feet. It all depends on the gravity of your situation. In minor cases, the treatment could be as simple as:
- Getting Arch Support
Arch support tools or orthotic devices can help relieve any pain or minimize symptoms by molding your feet to create an arch. You do not need a prescription to get these and they are available in various stores.
However, some cases require custom orthotic devices, so you need to consult a podiatrist to know which one is best for you.
- Changing Your Footwear
If you are regularly on your feet, you might be feeling the symptoms of your condition more often. You can use arch support devices, but if you use a particular pair of shoes for work or a hobby, then you should consider getting a pair with arch support. Choose shoes best for flat feet so you can go on with your daily task without any discomfort.
- Exercising Your Feet
Once you see your podiatrist, they will come up with a treatment plan if they see fit. This may include flat feet exercises, which may need assistance from specialists or that you can do at home, depending on the severity of your condition.
Some of these exercises include heel stretches, ball rolls, arch lifts, and calf raises, just to name a few. You need to do these exercises repeatedly and regularly to see results, or as instructed by your doctor.
The Bottom Line
Your flat feet may or may not be bothering you, but you should refrain from worrying as there are easy treatments for your condition. The best way to go is to consult a podiatrist who will take professional care of your feet and provide a treatment plan to improve your condition.
