Flat foot is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot become collapsed. During this condition the entire sole of the foot is coming into complete or near complete contact with the ground.
Pathophysiology:
Research has shown that tendon specimens from people who suffer from adult acquired flat feet show evidence of increased activity of proteolysis enzymes. These enzymes can break down the constituents of the involved tendons and cause the foot arch to fall. In the future, these enzymes may become targets for new drug therapies.
Causes:
- Being over weight
- It also may happens by birth.
- Injury.
- The bones in the feet not growing properly in the womb.
- Getting over stretch of the tissues in your feet.
Conditions affecting the muscles, nerves or joints in the whole body.
Investigation:
- X-rays: It’s particularly useful in detecting arthritis.
- CT scan: This test takes X-rays of your foot from different angles and provides much more detail than a standard X-ray.
- Ultrasound: If your doctor suspects an injured tendon, he or she may request this test, which uses sound waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues within the body.
MRI: MRI provides excellent detail of both hard and soft tissues.
Treatments:
Acute phase:
- Arch supports (orthotic devices): Patient should take over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Or your doctor might suggest custom-designed arch supports, which are molded to the contours of your feet. Arch supports won’t cure flatfeet, but they often reduce symptoms.
Chronic phase:
In chronic condition patient must concern with a physiotherapist for better solution. A physiotherapist will apply two types of treatments. They are:
- Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help.
- Supportive shoes. A structurally supportive shoe might be more comfortable than sandals or shoes with minimal
support. - Toe to Heel rocks. Patient should stand in front of a table, chair, wall, or another object you can hold onto for support.
- Marble Pickup.
- Electrical:
- TENS
- UST
- IRR
- HIL