A flat foot is characterized by a flattening of the longitudinal and metatarsal arches so the entire bottom plantar (bottom of the foot) touches the ground upon foot strike. This then causes the ankle and knee to fall inward.
This kind of foot naturally overpronates. With excessive pronation, the ankle rotates inward with the heel bone and front of the foot pointing outward, giving rise to numerous foot, ankle and knee problems.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Pes Planes
- Overpronating Foot
Symptoms:
- Foot fatigue
- Ankle, knee and lower back pain
- Calluses under big toe
- Bunions
- Shoulder falls forward/slouching
- More energy required to run or stand for long periods of time
Signs to look for:
- Inner walls of shoes are stretched and worn
- Foot looks abnormally wide
- Ankle and cuboid bone protrude inward
- No visible arch
Possible Causes:
- Heredity
- Injury
- Soft soled shoes worn over a period of time
Goals:
- Create an arch that will correct motion of foot while walking
- Reduce pressure and friction on the toes
- Restore alignment to the ankle, top of the foot and knees
- Reduce and eliminate calluses
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotics exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotics exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank
- Straight last
- Smart footwear such as heel to toe rocker, negative heel shoes or shoes with titanium springs
- If regular flip-flop wearer, wear only the Orthaheel, Alegria or Aetrex brand
- Wear pumps and high heels only as long as absolutely necessary
- Avoid going barefoot or do so on a minimal basis only
Other:
- Where the above shoe does not keep the foot straight enough, internal or external wedging may be necessary
- Toe cushioning and straightening devices, such as toe separators, toe straighteners, toe caps, toe crests, etc.
- Regular callus filing with pumice device (leaving cutting of calluses to a physician only)
Activities:
- Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
- Regular stretching program of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Achilles tendon and arch structures
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: B. Meanwell, CPed, Footsmart.com Text: B. Meanwell, CPed, G. Copeland, DPM, The Foot Book