FLAT FEET
WHAT ARE FLAT FEET?
Your foot supports your body’s weight and plays a big part in controlling posture. Your foot is supported by several arches which are maintained by supporting structures of your muscles, ligaments and bones in the foot.
Flat foot is the name given when the medial longitudinal arch of your foot is lostso your foot appeas flat as the majority of the bottom of it is in contact with the ground. There are several types and causes of flat foot.
Flat foot may be:
- Fixed or flexible
- Acquired or developmental
WHAT CAUSES FLAT FEET?
In adults there can be physiological causes of plat foot or acquired causes:
Physiological flat foot:
- Arch development is abnormal possibly due to an inherited ligament laxity
- Approximately 20% of adults have flat foot, the majority have a flexible flat foot and don’t have any symptoms.
HOW IS FLAT FEET DIAGNOSED?
Your physiotherapist can carry out a full foot assessment to determine whether or not you have flat foot.
Adult-acquired flat feet:
- Loss of arch support due to a dysfunction of the tibialis posterior tendon (common cause)
- Tibialis anterior rupture (rare)
- Tear of the spring ligament (rare)
- A neuropathic foot due to conditions such as diabetes
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLAT FEET?
You may not experience any pain or issues with flat feet though it can frequently lead to problems elsewhere such as knee pain, hip pain or lower back pain.
If you are walking and hear a slap sound, this can show loss of foot control.
Other symptoms include:
Difficulty walking
A change in foot shape
WHAT TREATMENT CAN FARRELL PHYSIOTHERAPY OFFER FOR FLAT FEET?
There are several different options for flat feet depending on the cause of your flat feet and symptoms. Following assessment your physiotherapist will provide a tailored treatment plan.
Your physiotherapist will choose what treatment methods to use based on your symptoms and how you respond to different treatment methods.
Treatment for flat feet may include:
Stretching exercises
Soft Tissue Massage
Weight loss advice if indicated
Orthotic Advice
Taping
Insoles
Strengthening exercises
Postural correction
BENEFIT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR FLAT FEET?
Physiotherapy is a beneficial treatment method for flat feet. The particular benefits you feel will depend on your original symptoms and your treatment goals.
There are several benefits of physiotherapy for flat feet including:
REDUCED PAIN
IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY
EDUCATION REGARDING FOOTWEAR
IMPROVED FOOT POSTURE
IMPROVED STRENGTH
PREVENTION OF THE PROBLEM RECURRING
Don't Let Pain Win!
Our Expert Physiotherapists in Witham and Chelmsford specialise in providing the latest treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or click below to book online!
Same day and emergency appointments available most of the time.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
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Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
WITHAM
Witham Leisure Centre, Spinks Ln, Witham, Essex, CM8 1EP
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