Most cases of flatfeet are hereditary and are present from birth, while other of flatfeet in Scottsdale can develop after an injury or overuse.
What is Flatfeet?
Flatfeet is a common and usually painless condition in children. However, I can sometimes cause some aching pain in adolescents and adults. For adults, pain may occur during or after physical activity and there may be some dull pain after long periods of rest. The cause of fallen arches is simple: the tendons and ligaments that support the arch weaken and collapse due to too much stress or overuse.
Signs and Symptoms of Flatfeet in Scottsdale
Children whose arches do not develop aren’t always affected by flatfeet in Scottsdale. However, some cases of flatfeet can cause problems in other areas of the body—flatfeet has been shown to throw joints out of alignment.
While many adults do not exhibit any outward signs or symptoms that indicate flatfeet, some people may feel some arch pain. More often than not, flatfeet cause noticeable fatigue in the arches, heels, knees, or lower back, as well as the following symptoms:
- Feet that ache
- Swollen feet
- Difficulty moving the foot
- Back or leg pain
It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, and contact Dr. Forman, our foot doctor in Scottsdale, for further care.
Testing for Flatfeet in Scottsdale, AZ
To find out if you have flatfeet, there is a simple test you can do on your own. In order to do this, you will need a concrete surface and some water. Start by getting your feet wet, then stand normally on a flat surface. Then, step away from the imprints and evaluate the step marks. People with normal arches will see an imprint with the inside curve of the foot missing. People with flatfeet will see the entire imprint of the bottom of the foot.
Scottsdale Flatfeet Treatment
Treating flatfeet medically depends on the severity and cause of the problem. It’s important to have flatfeet examined by Dr. Forman, our Scottsdale, AZ podiatrist, otherwise, this condition can lead to more serious problems like heel spurs, ankle or knee pain, or arthritis. When flatfeet cause severe pain or begin contributing to other conditions, Dr. Forman may suggest one or more of the following treatments:
- Orthotic devices
- Stretching exercises
- Supportive shoes
- Physical therapy
If pain or foot damage becomes severe, Dr. Forman, our Scottsdale podiatrist, may recommend surgery. Contact us at Put Your Feet First for more information or to set up a consultation.