Ouch! Having flat feet is definitely not fun. A flat foot occurs when the arch of the foot is collapsed, and the entire foot can completely touch the ground.
Flat foot is sometimes caused by abnormal foot development (such as in someone with no arch present). Or it can be hereditary, the result being a flattened arch.
Other causes of flat foot include things such as arthritis, bone fractures or even torn tendons. No matter the cause of flat foot, it can result in some bad foot pain.
When the pain gets bad due to flat foot, it’s best to take it easy. For example, if you are a runner, try to let the pain subside for a few days before attempting to run again. Then ease back into your routine slowly. Remember to stretch your feet well before doing any type of exercise routine.
It’s quite simple: If you aren’t getting the proper arch support that you need, your feet will feel discomfort and pain. Choose shoes that have strong arch support, and possibly even removable insoles. Shoes with wide toes and low heels can also help.
Orthotics can help with many types of foot problems, especially flat foot. See a podiatrist for prescription orthotics, or you may even find a pair over-the-counter that works for you.
Believe it or not, weight plays a huge role in foot pain. All of the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your foot become weakened the more weight they are made to support. This makes flat foot pain worse. Over time, being overweight can even make normal foot arches collapse and cause someone to develop flat feet.
There’s nothing like a relaxing massage – especially when your feet hurt! There can be many benefits to getting your feet massaged or massaging them yourself. Massage promotes muscle and joint relaxation, and eases stress on the foot.
At higher doses, NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation and therefore lessen pain. Speak to your doctor or podiatrist before taking any medications.
Strengthening your feet won’t cure flat foot, but it can help alleviate the pain associated with it. One popular exercise for flat foot pain is standing tall on one leg and balancing your body. It may be difficult at first, but with a little practice you’ll be feeling better in no time!
In cases of extreme pain due to flat foot, surgery may be the only option. Fusing your foot or ankle bones together, removing bones, or even grafting bones to make your arches rise better are all options. Speak with your podiatrist to see if surgery is an option for you.
You can use packs of frozen vegetables or ice packs to get relief from pain caused by flat feet. Just remember: Treating flat feet with heat can make the inflammation and pain worse.
Protect your feet by wearing cushioned shoes outdoors and soft slippers indoors. Walking on hard surfaces without a shock barrier will definitely cause some unwanted pain.
With a little research and effort, you can make flat foot pain manageable and live a normal, active lifestyle.
Are you experiencing pain from a flat foot? Does it hurt when you walk? Have you tried some of the things above with no success? Give us a call today to schedule a consultation to have your flat foot examined by one of our board certified podiatrists.
They have extensive experience diagnosing and treating flat feet to help you get pain free as quickly as possible.
Just call 301-937-5666 or fill out the form on the top right of this page and we will help you schedule a convenient appointment time.
