Have you lost your arches? Have you been told you have flat feet? Reduce your stress level because the situation may not be that desperate. Flat feet, also referred to as pes planus or fallen arches, are a condition where the arch of the foot collapses. It can affect one or both feet. Babies are born with flat feet and it takes a few years for bones, tendons and ligaments to strengthen and grow, forming the foot’s arch. In most instances the arch develops in childhood, usually by age five or six, but in some cases, the arch of the foot never fully develops. About twenty percent of the world’s population has flat feet, or some degree thereof because their arches never completely formed. This type of flat foot is rarely problematic, and would not likely require treatment.
Flat feet that develop in adults as a result of injury, illness, stress or aging are referred to as Adult Acquired Flat Foot. Factors contributing to the cause of this type of flat feet include weight, high blood pressure and diabetes. If you acquire flat feet as an adult, they will probably stay that way. Strength training of the muscles in the foot may help to retain or regain normal function, but the foot muscles are short, and most likely the arch would not re-develop.
If you want to monitor the condition of your arches, wet your feet then stand on a smooth surface. When the footprint shows a lot of sole, it indicates a flat foot. What do flat feet mean to you? Flat feet usually do not cause pain and would not require treatment. However, if you are in the low percentage of people that experience pain in the foot, ankle or lower leg, see your podiatrist. He may recommend orthotics, exercises or physical therapy to help strengthen your feet. If your doctor prescribes orthotics you will probably need to use them for the remainder of your life. If much correction is required, it will likely be done gradually, over a period of time, allowing you to adjust in increments.
If you have pain that may be attributed to flat feet, call Dr. Blaakman. He will be able to evaluate and diagnose you and provide a treatment plan just right for you. Whether it involves exercises or orthotics, it will help you on your way. For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call Dr. Blaakman at (877) 941-FEET (3338).
If you have a story about your flat feet, please share below…
References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flatfeet/DS00449/DSECTION=causes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_feet
Showing posts with label Flat Feet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flat Feet. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Diabetic Shoes
Image via WikipediaDid you know that there are shoes out there that are made specifically for diabetics? Well there are! A lot of people with diabetes face neuropathy, which in short, means that their feet are numb, so they can’t feel their feet at all. This means that they can’t feel when they cut their feet or burn them. That is why it is especially important for diabetics with neuropathy to pay extra attention to their feet. What happens is that regular shoes can cause friction and over time, constant friction can cause a cut, which in turn if not treated, will open the cut further, become infected and an ulcer. If the ulcer is not treated, it will become gangrene and the infection attacks the whole foot and the only treatment can be amputation of the foot.So in order to protect their feet better, there are specialized shoes that can be made. It’s not just neuropathy that these shoes help with, but they also help with poor circulation and foot deformities. If you have hammertoes, bunions, flatfeet or other deformities. The shoes can be formed fitted to keep your feet and in turn the rest of your body in balance.
The shoes prevents foot problems such as foot ulcers, because it lowers the friction and pressure put on the foot. That in turn prevents infection and amputation, which is what has to occur if an infection goes untreated for long periods of time. The protection comes from inserts that form to your feet and the use of softer materials so that there is no rubbing that causes friction.
If you have diabetes, you should check into diabetic shoes, especially if you have neuropathy. Upstate Footcare can fit you in a pair! Give us a call at 877-941-FEET (3338) and set up an appointment! Or check out our website.
Monday, February 13, 2012
HEY BABY! How Pregnancy Affects Feet
Image via WikipediaRadical changes occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy, especially toward the end. Other than the obvious “bump,” there are subtle changes that begin early on. By the end of the third trimester the body is altogether different with regards to gravitational forces and weight bearing. These changes can result in some common complaints and foot problems, two of which will be addressed here.Weight gain during pregnancy is inevitable. That may not be significant by itself, but the change in weight distribution and the extra pounds can lead to flattening of the feet. This can cause the feet to roll (over-pronation) slightly, placing increased strain and pressure on the heel and ball areas of the feet. The lengthy tissues that run from heel to front of foot can then become inflamed and painful. It is important that this condition be treated, to alleviate pain and prevent more serious complications that may have a more far reaching effect.
Treatment can vary based on severity of symptoms and would range from a simple common sense approach to a more individualized program. Properly fit shoes are key. Forego the fashionista in yourself, at least for the duration of your pregnancy. Orthotics may be indicated.
The second most often voiced complaint is swelling of the feet and ankles known as Edema. Edema occurs when fluid relocates and pools in the body. The resulting swelling becomes problematic. An easy approach that can reduce swelling and pain includes well fit shoes, non-restrictive socks or stockings, foot elevation and easy to do special foot exercises that heighten circulation. Other practical suggestions include limiting salt intake and drinking lots of water. Unilateral swelling would be the norm. Asymmetrical symptoms could be indicative of a more serious problem, and may require you to see your health care professional.
If you have any questions, please contact us at Upstate Footcare, and we’d be happy to answer your questions!
Sources:
http://bunionbusters.com/footcare/pregnancy
http://mommyfeet.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)