Flat Feet and Residual Conditions

Flat Feet and Residual Conditions of Pain

The condition known as Flat Feet is an orthopedic malformation of the bone structure intended to gird the footstep. The resulting conditions can range from scarcely detectable nuances in one's gait to severe and long-lasting impediments to walking, comfort and freedom from injury. The variance of possible experiences of the condition, also known as fallen arches, is wide ranging, as are the potential causes and symptoms of the condition.

The various symptoms of peripheral discomfort which are associated with one's gait may go undiagnosed through many doctor's visits, x-rays and other radiology procedures. This is typically because the focus on the point of pain by non-podiatric specialist will often overlook the fact that flat feet is a fairly common condition. To the point, "about 20% of adults have flat feet. Flat feet don't cause disabilities or other problems as long as the foot is supple and the heel cord, or Achilles tendon, isn't tight. This is called flexible flat foot.." (UCSF, 1) in such instances, it is possible that the individual will never know or need to know that such a condition is present. However, where this flexibility is not present, there does emerge the potential for this type of above-note residual pain and injury. The condition of collapsed, lost or otherwise deformed or stressed arches results in an individual's sole surface area making greater contact with the ground than will the sole of a properly arched individual. By consequence, an improper gait can cause pain to radiate outward to all those parts of the body and posture which are compromised.

As our research denotes, for instance, this can have a direct consequence on the leg joints from ankle to knee and beyond. The knee in particular will frequently absorb a great deal of the shock that missing arch support fails to cushion. Thus, "ecause of the anatomic positioning of the knee, looking at all of the relevant structures that affect the knee may reveal deficiencies elsewhere. It is important to note that often referred pain to the knee may originate from the spine, hip, and especially the foot and ankle." (James, 1) this can create a reciprocating relationship between the knees and flat feet which causes undue adjustments to one's gait such as the favoring of the outer rims of one's feet or an unconscious limp. In these instances, the automatic adjustments which occur as an effort to lessen medial knee pain will ultimately cause an increasing severity in the malformations of the foot.

Indeed, pedorthists whose primary focus is the treatment of flat feet through the creation of artificial arch inserts, contend to treating "many referred patients with foot pain diagnosed as pes planus (flat feet), excessive subtalar pronation, tibial torsion, and forefoot varus with secondary complaints of knee pain." (James, 1) the discussion here of a reciprocating relationship between different vulnerabilities in the region is further implicated in one of the suggested causalities relating to flat feet and consequent injuries. The condition called Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) denotes a flaw in the tendon functions directly supporting the foot, leading to the compensatory collapse of the arches. The condition is clinically explained as "an inflammation and/or overstretching of the posterior tibial tendon in the foot. An important function of the posterior tibial tendon is to help support the arch. But in PTTD, the tendon's ability to perform that job is impaired, often resulting in a flattening of the foot." (FP, 1)

Other implications to the condition will relate directly to the likelihood of pain and discomfort in the foot itself.

The improper distribution of weight and pressure in one's step can be the close for undue and excessive ground contact with load-bearing parts of the foot. The heel is especially vulnerable to inflammation and pain, contributing to the close connection between the presence of flat feet and the intrusion of condition called plantar fasciitis. Here, "heel pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia -- the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes." (Mayo Clinic, 1)

Ultimately, for those who are experiencing regular discomfort in the feet, and in the lower extremities, as well as persistent discomfort throughout the spinal column, there is reason to consider the implications of flat feet, which can lead to more serious and chronic injury. According to a study conducted on military personnel and released in 2002, improper footing can lead to an array of injuries. The study denotes that "stress fractures represent one of the most common and potentially serious overuse injuries. " (Jones et al., 228)