Flat feet in Adults - Causes and Symptoms
Our feet balance the overall body weight, helping in maintaining the right posture. The arch is the prima factor in doing so. This arch is nothing but the curve in our feet. The feet with no curve are called flat feet. Practically they are flat, with no curve in them. The closest example of this is a baby’s feet. Approximately, it takes 2-3 years for the muscles of the baby’s feet to tighten; making it arch naturally.
If you have flat feet with no pain then it is alright. But in case you are losing your arches, then it may be a cause for worry. Having flat feet in adulthood can be painful and signify different health-related anomalies.
Causes of Flat Feet:
Some of the causes which are observed in adults with flat feet are:- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Achilles Tendons
- Cerebral Palsy
- Broken Bones
- Pregnancy
- High Blood Pressure
- Down Syndrome
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Symptoms:
Sometimes flat feet don’t cause any kind of pain or irritation. Mostly these are the symptoms to get yourself checked. Whether you are having or not?
- Leg Cramps.
- Muscle Pain (aching of feet muscles)
- Change in your walking style
- Toe drift
- Pain while walking
How to avoid flat feet?
Start wearing proper shoes.
Wearing a proper shoe allows the foot to be in shape. It helps in balancing your body weight.
Choose shoes with proper arch supports.
Arch supports give the foot the arch it should have. If your shoes lack right foot support then you can use additional arch support inserts.
Using Insoles and shoe inserts.
One should avoid standing for too long or be comfortable while you stand for long hours. One way is to use shoe inserts or insoles. They keep your foot in comfort and also give you the necessary arch you need. There is a variety of flat foot arch support and flat foot insoles available.
Exercises.
Exercises are also a good way to resolve the flat feet issue.
If any of the conditions above worsens then one must seek an orthopedic and get consulted. Because if it’s simply flat feet it may be recovered with simple hacks but with the problem persisting it must be consulted. Flat foot treatments are available in a variety depending upon the medical condition. Till then take care and Happy Foot Works!