What is flat feet?
Flat feet is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground.
You have flatfeet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up.
Cause
A common and usually painless condition, flatfeet can occur when the arches don’t develop during childhood. In other cases, flatfeet develop after an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.
Factors that can increase your risk of flatfeet include:
- Obesity
- Injury to your foot or ankle
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Aging
- Diabetes
Problems faced by people with flat feet
It is a normal variation in foot type, and people without arches may or may not have problems. There usually aren’t any symptoms of this condition but in some serious cases it can cause pain in the following parts of the body:
- Inside ankle, alongside possible swelling
- Arch of the foot
- Calf
- Knee
- Hip
- Lower back
- Lower legs
- One or both feet may also feel stiff
Remedies
- Foot support: Supporting your feet is usually a first step in treating the condition.
- Reducing pain from flat feet may involve incorporating some changes in your daily routine.
- Surgery may be an option in more serious cases and is usually the last resort.
- Kenkoh sandals are the perfect way to ease the discomfort flat feet can cause. The clever design supports the plantar arch which can help to improve balance and reduce issues associated with flat feet and bad posture. The result is happier, more supported feet and a happier you as a result.