Do You Have Flat Feet? Physical Therapy Can Provide Relief & Support!
Flat feet can be caused by a number of variables, including heredity, age, and weight, and they can lead to a number of severe health problems.
In order to engage and strengthen the feet, legs, and core, a physical therapist can treat and propose easy lifestyle changes such as muscle lengthening and strengthening activities, arch-lifting shoes and insoles, and posture-building exercises.
Those with flat feet should consult with a physical therapist to determine what treatment methods would be best to relieve pain and improve body mechanics. Contact us today to learn more!
What are “flat feet,” exactly?
According to Healthline,
“Flat feet (pes planus) are commonly known as fallen or collapsed arches. It's a relatively common condition that can affect up to 30 percent of the population, causing symptoms in 1 in 10 of these people. Usually, both feet are affected, but it's possible to have a fallen arch on only one foot.
Flat feet are caused by a variety of conditions including injuries, obesity, and arthritis. Aging, genetics, and pregnancy can also contribute to flat feet. You're also more likely to have flat feet if you have a neurological or muscular disease such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.”
There are many different stretches you can do to help relieve the pain of flat feet, including:
- Towel curls
- Heel stretches
- Calf raises
- Toe raises
- Tennis/golf ball rolls
- Stair arch raises
- Arch lifts
What are foot arches, and why are they so important to have?
Arches are what provide elasticity and flexibility, allowing the middle of the foot to spread and contract. Arches absorb shock and contribute to the strength and balance of the foot.
Arches also help to appropriately distribute weight across the entire foot. When the foot is flat, the rest of the body needs to compensate for the lack of arch, creating extra pressure on the feet, knees, and back, as well as inflammation and pain.
Custom orthotics: a solution for flat feet
There is a chance that your physical therapist may recommend custom orthotics to help with your flat feet. There are many benefits to using custom orthotics, including:
- Physical enhancement. Orthotic devices can help you move in ways you may have thought were lost. Your physical therapist can help you enhance your performance and give you advice on the proper forms and techniques of movement with your new device. If you are looking to get back into the activities you love, it is likely that a custom orthosis can help you achieve that. You and your physical therapist will work together to create a treatment plan that will help you reach your goals, and he or she will assist you in increasing your strength, endurance, and flexibility with your new custom device.
- Injury prevention. Custom orthotic devices can help aid you in avoiding injury by allowing your body to move more freely and comfortably. Your physical therapist can also teach you several different exercises you can do with your custom device to make sure your feet are still maintaining strength and function. If you're recovering from a surgical procedure for any reason, your physical therapist will help you learn to maneuver your new device in new ways that will help you stay active while reducing the chance of falls and injury during your recovery.
- Potential surgical prevention. Due to your flat feet, a bespoke orthotic may be able to help you avoid an invasive surgical treatment entirely. You always run the danger of blood clots, infection, and a long recovery time when you have surgery. Fortunately, an orthotic device may be able to cure a problem without the need for surgery. Your physical therapist can also give you specific therapeutic exercises to help your body's natural healing process get along faster. While surgery is sometimes necessary, it is almost always preferable to avoid an invasive treatment if the condition can be solved with a tailored device.
- Shortened recovery. Flat feet can cause discomfort and damage, and custom orthotics can help you recover quickly. Your physical therapist can also design a rehabilitation program tailored to your unique needs, with the goal of assisting you in recovering as rapidly as possible. In addition to your personalized device, this may incorporate strength and range of motion workouts.
How can physical therapy provide help for my flat feet?
When you arrive for your appointment, your physical therapist will examine your specific problems to determine the big picture. They will explain how the feet are the foundation of the entire body and how maintaining their strength will help alleviate pain throughout the body, including ankle, knee, and back pain.
Footwear with substantial arch support, insoles to relieve foot pressure, daily stretching exercises for both the feet and legs, ice therapy to reduce inflammation, physical therapy to correct walking patterns, and even ankle braces or injections are some common ways to treat flat feet. Your physical therapist can prescribe the necessary treatments for your specific needs.
Relieve flat-footed pain with physical therapy
If you have flat feet, relief may be just around the corner! Physical therapy is a healthy, safe, and effective way to combat discomfort from tons of different conditions, so what are you waiting for? Contact Fusion Performance right away to schedule a consultation and take the first steps toward relief.
