Ortho Back

When the curve disappears

Generally, looking at an adult foot, one would find an upward curve in the middle, which is known as the Arch. 
It is formed by a tight band called Tendons that connects the heel and foot bones. There is several numbers of tendons that connect the heel and foot bones. When one walks, pull together. When these tendons do not pull together,  there wouldn’t be an arch in one’s leg and thus leading to rest it flat.  Even though in most cases it never causes pain, some exceptional cases have reported pain in leg as well as the back. 

In Children 
Children having flat foot are known as a common phenomenon. Experts say it could be because of baby fat and as the child grows up, it is expected that the tendons could develop and form an arch. Usually after 3 years, Flat Foot in a child would’ve dissipated. In between 3 to 6 years, arches grow stronger. If a child’s leg never develops an arch when he/she is 5 years old, then it means a child has developed a Flat Foot. In some cases, it has continued even if the child has grown up. For such cases doctors recommend, foot gymnastics and going barefoot on varied terrain. Causes for flat foot could be many.  Many say it could be in the genes of the affected individuals. Anyone related to the individual would’ve suffered from Flat Foot. Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis could also lead to this condition.

Nerve problems as well as broken, dislocated bones would also cause Flat Foot in individuals. Experts suggest wearing high heeled footwear could cause Flat Foot and would also change posture of an individual.  Women than Men are prone to this as they most prefer wearing high heel footwear. One having diabetes and obesity are prone to the risk of developing Flat Foot. Pregnant women are also vulnerable to the risk of developing it.

Symptoms of flat foot could be 
• Ankle swelling
• Pain in the foot
• Knee pain
• Hip and back pain
• Pain in the general lower leg spot
• Difficult foot movements

Treatment
Foot gymnastics is the best treatment meant for Flat Foot. These exercises strengthen your muscles as well as your feet. Moving and spreading your toes, grabbing small objects with the toes, skilled games with the feet, spreading toes as far as possible, calf stretches, roll on foot from side to side are some of the foot gymnastic exercises to cure Flat Foot. Foot Orthoses is another treatment option. In this patients would have relief from foot and joint pain as well as arthritis, overuse, injuries, and other causes such as orthopedic correction, smell reduction and athletic performance.

Inheritance is also a cause of Flat Foot in many cases. There are many so far who have developed Flat Foot as it was in their genes.  So if you find someone in your family to have had this issue, you are also at the risk of getting it. In such a case, indulge in physical activity that could keep your legs flexible.