Flat feet or flat foot is a condition in which the arch that should be on the sole of the foot becomes flat. In infants or toddlers, this condition is considered normal because their bodies are not fully developed. But in older children and adults, flat feet can be a sign of abnormalities in the bones or tendons of the foot, the tissue that attaches muscle to bone.
Causes of Flat Feet
Flat feet are always associated with the bones and tendons in the sole of the foot or lower leg. In children, birth defects are the most common cause of flat feet. However, flat feet can also be caused by other factors, such as:
- Damage or inflammation of the feet.
- Loose or torn tendons.
- Fracture or dislocation (change in joint position).
- Nerve disorders.
The risk of flat feet also increases if:
- Obesity
- Pregnant
- Getting older
- Diabetes
- Using shoes that are too narrow or heels tall
Symptoms of Flat Feet
Flat feet are characterized by the loss of arches in the soles of the feet, so that all parts of the soles of the feet can touch the floor when standing. Flat feet are initially elastic, which means that the arch can still be seen when the patient stands on tiptoe. But with age, the condition can get worse, especially if you don't get the right treatment. Deteriorating flat feet may become completely rigid, and the arch is no longer visible even when on tiptoe.
In certain cases, flat foot sufferers also experience other symptoms, such as:
- Pain, especially in the arch or heel area.
- Impaired movement, such as difficulty standing on the toes.
- Swelling at the bottom of the leg.
- Feet get sore easily.
- Itch.
Flat Feet Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by examining the patient's physical and condition thoroughly. At the initial stage, the examinations carried out can be in the form of:
- Inspectionsole. In this test, the doctor will ask the patient to wet the feet and then stand on a special mat. The mat will show the patient's foot print. The thicker the print on the arch indicates that the patient has flat feet.
- Shoe inspection. The doctor will look at the sole of the patient's shoe. If the patient has flat feet, then there are certain areas of the sole that are worn or shrink due to rubbing, especially in the heel.
- tiptoe test. This test serves to see whether the patient's legs are still elastic or not. In the process, the patient will be asked to stand on tiptoe. If when the patient stands on tiptoe, the arch of the foot is still visible, then the patient's flat feet are elastic.
In addition, the doctor can also run a scan test. This test is usually used when the flat foot is causing pain. Some of the scanning tests in question include:
- ultrasound
- MRI
- CT scan
Flat Feet Treatment
Treatment is only needed if flat feet cause problems, such as pain. The treatment method is also different for each patient, must be adjusted to the accompanying cause.
If needed, there are 3 methods used to treat flat feet, namely:
- Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy programs that can be done are stretching exercises or the provision of special tools in the form of special soles or shoes. Discuss further with the doctor the appropriate program for the condition experienced.
- Drugs.The drug is only given in certain conditions, for example, flat feet that are suffered are caused by: rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors can give non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, which work to relieve pain due to existing inflammation.
- Operation. Surgery is also performed on special considerations, for example when a flat foot is caused by a torn tendon or fracture. So, surgery is done to treat the cause of the flat feet.
Patients can also perform self-care to prevent or control the pain that arises. Among others are:
- Use shoes or footwear that match the activities you are doing and the shape of your feet.
- Rest and compress the leg with ice. If necessary, take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol, when pain occurs.
- Do stretches. Ask your doctor or therapist about stretches you can do before the activity.
- Treat health conditions that can make flat feet worse, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
- Avoid activities that put too much stress on your feet, such as running.
- As much as possible avoid sports that put too much stress on your feet, such as basketball, soccer, hockey, or tennis.
It would be better if self-care efforts discussed with the doctor first. The doctor will determine independent treatment according to the patient's condition, so that the results obtained can be maximized.