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Flat Feet
When the entire bottom surface of the foot contacts the ground, also known as Pes Valgus or Pes Planovalgus,
Cause
Flat Feet are linked to both genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to conventionally shaped footwear. Footwear that elevates and pushes the big toe out of alignment (ie. almost every athletic shoe and all dress shoes), destabilizes the medial longitudinal arch. Individuals with flexible or less resilient soft tissues will experience increased over-pronation with the integrity of the arch destabilized, causing the arch to permanently fall. Flat feet may be caused by numerous factors or other health problems. Possible causes of this foot condition include:
Signs and Symptoms
Typically a painless condition, although more extreme cases may affect lower limb structural alignment, gait, biomechanics and posture. If left unchecked, can lead to abnormal leg alignment and be the indirect cause of ongoing musculoskeletal pain. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with flat feet include:
• Foot pain caused by long periods of standing
• Decreased ability to stand on your toes
• Aches in your heel or arch
• Swelling along your medial longitudinal arch
• Decreased ability to participate in certain sports or athletic activities
Recovery
Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms. Conservative measures can help strengthen and align soft tissues. The most common approaches include: