Flat feet Signs， Causes & Exercises!

How flat feet can seriously impact your functionality and well being...

MoveU sent this email to their subscribers on April 30, 2024.

Here at\xa0MoveU, we are all about strengthening your body’s foundations. In some ways, your core (including your back) is your foundation because it’s so central.\xa0

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However, your feet are your base. If your base is weak and misaligned, the rest of your body is going to be affected.

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Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet are low or absent, causing the entire foot to come into contact with the ground. All babies are born with flat feet as arches are supposed to be developed through early childhood - typically by age 6.

Flat feet aren’t a problem for some people, but for others it can seriously impact your functionality and well-being.

ARE FLAT FEET CONSIDERED A DISABILITY?

The answer to this question is -\xa0it depends. Way back in the olden days, you could actually be rejected from serving your country if the doc found you were flat-footed.\xa0The VA considers being flat footed a disability under\xa0certain conditions; but it really depends on the type.\xa0

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FLAT FEET?

Flexible: Flexible flat feet are the most common. You (or others) can see your arches when you aren’t standing, but they disappear when you put weight on your feet. Flexible flatfoot develops during the childhood or teen years, affects both feet, and gets progressively worse with age. Tendons and ligaments in the arches of the feet can stretch, tear and swell.

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Rigid:If you have\xa0rigid flat feet, you have no arches regardless of whether you’re standing or sitting. This condition develops during the teen years and progresses with age. You may have pain in your feet and find it difficult to flex the feet up or down or move them side-to-side. Flatfoot can affect one foot or both sides.

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Adult-acquired: This is also called “fallen arches'' and occurs when the foot's arch unexpectedly collapses. This typically affects only one foot and is usually caused when\xa0the tendon\xa0that runs along the inside of the ankle and supports the arch gets weak over time or tears.

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Vertical talus: Sometimes known as “rocker-bottom foot” due to the way the foot resembles a rocking chair, this condition is a birth defect (congenital disability) that prevents the arches from forming due to the talus bone in the ankle being in the wrong position.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN FLAT FEET CAUSE?

Having weak, flat feet alters your foot mechanics, gait pattern, and weight distribution - starting a domino effect that leads to even further imbalances and pain.
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Altered posture:Flat feet can cause a forward (anterior) tilt of the pelvis and an exaggerated lower back curve (lordosis). One outcome of this can be sciatic pain or herniated discs.\xa0

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Gait changes: Flat feet are typically connected with overpronation, where the foot and ankle roll in too much. This can create pain in the knees, ankles, and feet.

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Uneven weight distribution: When your weight isn’t evenly distributed, it can create stress on other areas of your body; particularly your low back.\xa0

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Lack of shock absorption: Because strong arches act as natural shock absorbers, the forces and pressures of walking, running, and standing are evenly distributed. For people with flat feet, that lack of arch support limits their ability to absorb impact effectively.

Your feet are the base the rest of your body relies on. Without proper foot function, you’ll struggle to move well which will affect other aspects of your health.Continue reading for signs, causes, recommendations, and strengthening exercises!