Flat feet not only reduce mobility but can lead to arthritis, back pain, and bunions.
Flat feet is a condition in which the soles of the feet are flat and have no concavity. The condition can be congenital or develop over time due to age or injury. If treated early, the symptoms stop progressing and surgery is not required. On the contrary, the condition can worsen over time, causing pain, difficulty walking, leading to some of the following diseases.
Arthritis
The arches of this person's feet are flat, making it difficult to support their body weight. Over time, the joint below and in front of the ankle becomes damaged, worn down, and arthritis develops.
Treatment includes medication, weight loss, and orthopedic shoes. In some cases, surgery is performed to correct flatfoot deformities, fusing bones together to eliminate arthritis.
Lower back pain
Women with flat feet are 50% more likely to have lower back pain than those without. This is the conclusion of a 2013 study by the Institute for Aging Research (USA), with more than 1,900 men and women participating.
Without arch support, the heel is prone to rolling outward and the foot falls inward. This creates a chain reaction, affecting the alignment and function of the knees, hips, and lower back, ultimately leading to back pain.
To relieve pain, your doctor may prescribe a brace, physical therapy, or an ergonomic chair.
Foot pain affects walking. Photo: Freepik
Heel spurs
Weakened arches cause the plantar fascia ligament to become overstretched. This puts pressure on the heel bone, contributing to the formation of heel spurs. Over time, heel spurs can make it difficult to perform weight-bearing activities such as playing sports, walking, and running.
To temporarily relieve pain, patients can use over-the-counter pain relievers and limit standing for long periods of time. Wear shoes that fit properly, with soles that are not too hard or soft, maintain a stable weight, and limit carrying heavy objects to prevent recurrence.
Big toe deformity
People with flat feet are at risk of developing a deformed big toe because most of the weight is placed on the front of the foot. At this time, the big toe cannot bear the pressure and leans towards the second toe, creating an imbalance in the foot. Over time, this condition causes pain in the big toe joint and swelling.
Wear orthopedic shoes or insoles to help relieve pressure and pain. Wearing a brace can also slow the progression of the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the bone under the big toe.
Knee pain
Flat feet can cause your feet to misalign, leading to knee pain. Misalignment can also affect your joints, causing arthritis and other joint problems.
A group of scientists from Boston University (USA) studied the relationship between knee pain and flat feet in 2011. The study involved nearly 2,000 participants, average age 65. The results showed that the group of people with flat feet had a 1.3 times higher rate of knee pain and a 1.4 times higher rate of knee cartilage damage than the normal group.
Wearing supportive shoes or orthotics can help strengthen your feet and knees. Stretching, ice, and posture correction can also help.
Huyen My (According to Cleveland Clinic, Verywell Health )
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