Collin County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 25
Do you have flat feet?
A
By Chantell Peterson
re you one of 25% of Americans that have flat feet?
Having flat feet means that
you do not have an arch
in the bottom of your foot.
Sometimes this condition is also known
as “fallen arches” or “pronated” feet.
Flat feet or flat foot is actually the
most common foot deformity known.
For some people there are no signs
or symptoms associated with flat foot.
For others they may experience pain
or symptoms that can worsen with activity. Some people may still be able
to run marathons with flat feet while
others will be limited in their daily activities and over time, if this condition
goes untreated, problems can occur.
There are two main causes for flat
foot. The first cause is congenital flat
foot, which is a condition that someone is born with or is predisposed to
at birth. A flat foot is normal in infants
and toddlers as most arches develop
throughout childhood. But some people never develop an arch or begin
experiencing problems with their arch.
Over time, some arches fall. Years of
wear and tear on the feet can weaken
the tendon that runs along the inside of
the ankle and helps support the arch,
which causes the arch to fall.
The second cause is acquired flat foot,
which is a much rarer condition that
can develop over time and may be
caused by many factors throughout
life. There are also conditions that can
put one more at risk such as obesity,
injury to your foot or ankle, rheumatoid arthritis, aging and diabetes. Flat
foot can cause pain and limit daily
activities but it can also contribute to
problems with your ankles,