Do You Suffer from Flat Feet? Get Help with Orthoses.
This article on Flat Feet has been sourced from Science Direct and cited: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773157X23001224
Diagram of a Curafoot Orthotic Insole
What is a Flat Foot?
“Pes planus, commonly known as Flat Feet, is a foot condition characterized by the absence of a physiological arch. The arch of the foot is composed of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones that work together to support the body’s weight and provide stability during walking and other physical activities.
In individuals with flat feet, the ligaments and tendons in the foot are weakened, resulting in the collapse of the arch. A graphic representation of the difference in arch between a normal foot and a flat foot is presented in the following figure.”
“It is estimated that around 25 % of the population may have some degree of flat feet, which can cause pain and discomfort, particularly when standing or walking for extended periods.
Flexible Flat Foot
A Flexible Flatfoot is a condition where the arch of the foot is present when the foot is not bearing weight but collapses or flattens out when weight is applied. This means that the arch of the foot is present during activities such as sitting or standing on tiptoes but disappears when walking or running. This is known as an open kinetic chain, as the foot is not bearing weight. However, during closed kinetic chain activities such as standing, walking, or running, the arch collapses as weight is applied to the foot.
Rigid Flat Foot
On the other hand, a Rigid Flatfoot is a condition where the arch of the foot is completely flattened in both open and closed kinetic chain activities. This means that the foot does not have an arch, regardless of whether it is bearing weight or not. This is a more severe form of flatfoot and can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetic predisposition, trauma, or diseases such as arthritis.”
The Importance of Treating Flat Feet
“Treating flat feet is imperative not only to mitigate symptoms but also to prevent potential complications that may arise from the condition being left untreated. Flat feet can give rise to a variety of issues, such as foot pain, ankle instability, and musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs, such as knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Moreover, untreated flat feet can lead to an altered gait pattern and poor balance, thus increasing the risk of falls and associated injuries, particularly in older adults. One of the most critical reasons for treating flat feet is to reduce the risk of developing additional foot conditions. For instance, individuals with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis, a condition where the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes becomes inflamed.”
“Studies have found that using foot orthotics can improve gait and increase the range of motion in individuals with flat feet. Individuals with flat feet have a lower quality of life than those with normal foot arches, likely due to pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
Treatment of flat feet can also enhance athletic performance. Studies have found that athletes with flat feet who used custom-made foot orthotics experienced a significant improvement in running performance. This is likely due to the fact that custom-made foot orthotics can help to correct the gait and reduce the risk of injury, ultimately leading to improved athletic performance.
With early and appropriate treatment, individuals with flat feet can lead an active and healthy lifestyle without experiencing any foot-related complications. Additionally, the use of foot orthotics has been found to be effective in reducing pain and improving balance in individuals with flat feet.”
Brief Overview of the Different Orthoses for Flat Feet Correction
“Orthoses, which are specialized devices designed to support or correct the alignment of the foot, can be an effective component of treatment for flat feet.Orthoses can provide arch support, cushioning, and stability to help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with flat feet. Additionally, they can improve foot function, reduce the risk of overuse injuries, and prevent further complications.
One common classification of orthoses is based on their level of rigidity.Soft orthoses, in most common form are insoles, are made of softer materials and are used to redistribute weightbearing pressures. Rigid orthoses, on the other hand, are made of more durable and stiffer materials, and are intended to address mechanical problems by modifying foot and lower limb alignment.
Soft orthoses, such as insoles, are often used as a permanent solution to clinical padding and strapping. These devices are designed to provide cushioning and support to the foot, redistributing pressure across the sole of the foot to alleviate pain and discomfort. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as foam, gel, or other soft, pliable materials that are comfortable to wear.
Rigid orthoses, on the other hand, are designed to modify the alignment and mechanics of the foot and lower limb. These devices are prescribed to address specific mechanical problems such as overpronation, supination, or other gait abnormalities. They are often made from materials such as plastic, carbon fiber, or other rigid materials that can withstand the forces exerted on the foot during weightbearing activities.”
Curafoot Clinic with its combination of Foot Health specialization through Orthotics, Podiatry and Prosthetics plays a major role in detecting, diagnosing, and helping patients manage different Foot Conditions. The Clinic designs and manufactures Custom-Fit Insoles and Offloading Shoes.
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