Flat Foot- Symptoms and Causes

"Flat feet," also known as pes planus, commonly affects up to 1 in 4 people throughout their lives. If a person has little or no arch on the feet, he/she is considered to have flat feet. When someone has flat feet, the arch bones of their feet are closer to the ground when they stand up. During childhood, flat feet can occur when the arches don't develop. But it can also develop later because of any injury or other medical condition. While some individuals can live with this condition without problems, others may experience foot pain and difficulty walking. Read on to know about its symptoms and causes.

Symptoms

Many people with flat feet don't feel discomfort or have other issues. However, some people may feel foot pain, especially in the heel or arch. The pain may worsen with some activity. However, some forms of flatfoot can cause pain. The primary symptoms of this health condition include:

• Cramping in the legs

• Foot or leg muscle pain (weariness or hurting)

• Pain in the arch, ankle, or heel

• Discomfort while walking

• Swelling in the ankle

• Toe drift, or the protrusion of the front toe

Causes

There are several reasons for flat foot, including genetics and undiagnosed congenital problems. In some situations, a flat foot develops as a result of an injury, like a torn tendon in your foot or ankle. Inadequate muscle regeneration after the healing of an injury can cause the arch to collapse. Several medical disorders, like muscular dystrophy and cerebral palsy, can make flat feet more likely to occur. In other situations, an Achilles tendon tear may cause flat feet in healthy people.

Risk Factors

You may eventually get a flat foot if you have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Other factors that may increase your risk for flat foot include:

• Obesity

• Traumatic injury

• Ageing