Know if you have a flatfoot

28/10/2016

Have you ever paid attention to that small arch beneath your feet? It may be a small detail, that you might have missed noticing, but it can have far-reaching health consequences. The absence of that arch could be the reason behind your unexplained fatigue, knee pain, cartilage damage, inability to participate in athletics or your acute discomfort in wearing heels. Also, did you know that people with flatfoot are prone to arthritis?
We bring you ways to find out if you have a flatfoot:
Common in both children and adults, a flatfoot, also referred to as 'paediatric flatfeet' can be classified as symptomatic or asymptomatic. Symptomatic flatfeet exhibit symptoms such as pain and limitation of activity while asymptomatic flatfeet show no symptoms.
"Flatfeet can be observed while standing flat and on tip toes; those not developing an arch on standing on tip toes are those with rigid flatfeet. Though a subjective observation, no arch while being seated or on tip toes (non weight bearing position), would be considered as a rigid flatfoot, while an arch being formed in the same position would be a mobile flatfoot. Effects of these can cause pain in feet, cramps, fatigue of legs etc in the long run," says Dr. (Col) Rana K. Chengappa, Clinical Director, Sports Medicine, AktivOrtho.
Is it a matter of concern?
Mostly a flatfoot is ignored and not considered a serious medical condition. But those who deal with this condition have much more to share. A full-time professional photographer, Udit Kulshreshtha shares his personal experience, "I was seven years old when I was told I have a flatfoot. The implications were that I never took to athletics and had to find solace in games where much running was not involved like table tennis, hockey (defensive position) and cricket (batting). Even though I ended up representing the district, state or the university, my condition affected my chances of pursuing sports full-time. I am a photographer now, which involves a lot of walking. And, due to my condition, I am unable to walk long distances or pursue gymming to stay healthy. I see it as a handicap, but I guess my will is stronger than everything."
Adult flatfoot may present itself as an incidental finding or a symptomatic condition with clinical consequences ranging from mild limitations to severe disability and pain causing major life impediments. Some adults notice it when they begin an athletic activity, whereas others might observe it with symptoms affecting other areas such as shin bones, calf cramps, knee, hip or back pain. Srishti Gupta, who has a flatfoot feels buying footwear is the biggest challenge for people like her. "When it comes to buying shoes, I can't buy flats as they hurt and are not comfortable. I can't wear high heels either and so it is really a pain to look for that perfect pair which suits me. I have never consulted any doctor for this condition as it was never considered 'serious'."
That's exactly what most of us do; we take it for granted and never think about consulting an expert, not realising that this condition canlead to knee pain or arthritis. "The most important fact is that parents need to be educated on the various types of flatfeet. They must notice symptoms, which might require intervention by a trained physiotherapist and orthopedist because it resolves in a majority of children by the age of ten," claims Dr. Chengappa.
Treatment
No treatment is required if your flatfeet do not cause any pain. "Most cases should undergo conservative methods as these generally resolve majority of symptoms, ruling out surgery. The conservative methods involve trained physiotherapists using various techniques of mobilizations manipulations, stretching, strengthening and activity modification. Orthotists can customize insoles/shoes for providing support to the arch," suggests Dr. Chengappa.

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