What is Flat Feet?

Flat feet are one of the most common foot problems. Flat feet are defined as feet with inadequately curved medial arch that collapsed on the ground and with the heel turned out during standing. Excessive pronated feet are a similar problem, with low medial arch but not flat to the ground.

Causes

Congenital factors include:

  • Congenital causes include genetics, abnormal bone structure, ligamentous laxity, etc.

Acquired factors include:

  • Lack of exercise in childhood, resulting in inadequate strength of the muscles and ligaments of the feet
  • Inadequate support of the arches of the feet due to inappropriate footwear
  • Tibial tendon dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, prolonged standing, excessive weight lifting and long jump activity
扁平足

Symptoms

  • Collapsed medial longitudinal arch and transverse metatarsal arch of the foot
  • Protrusion of the navicular bone and heel turning outward (valgus heel)
  • Heel tilting abnormally when walking
  • Stumbles and sprains easily in childhood, poor stamina and fatigue
  • Other lower limb problems in adulthood, such as arch pain, plantar fasciitis, knee pain and even low back pain
  • Shoes may become deformed or worn out on the inside of the shoe

Solutions

  1. Prescription Custom Foot Orthoses for children: In childhood, the arch is not yet fully developed, and the tendons and ligaments are relatively soft. Using prescription foot orthoses allows the foot to grow in an ideal biomechanical position, have normal arch support and avoid future foot deformity.
  2. Choosing the right footwear: Choose firm shoes soles to support the arches effectively and firm heel counter to stabilize the heel. Do not choose shoes with soles that are too thin or too soft, or shoe counter that are too soft.  Fix your shoes properly with lace or velcro to stabilize your feet inside the shoes.
  3. Muscle strengthening exercises: Strengthen the weakened ligaments and muscles at the bottom of the foot