Are Flat Feet Bad for Your Health?

Are Flat Feet Bad for Your Health?

Many instances of flat feet do not pose any threat to one’s overall health and most people learn to live life in a normal manner without thinking too much about their flat feet. However, there are some instances when flat feet may become more problematic and affect the overall health of the body in a variety of ways.

Flat feet and overall health

By having a full understanding of the potential health effects of flat feet, you can know exactly when professional treatment is needed. The following is everything to know about flat feet, including what they are, potential complications they may cause and how they can be treated.

What are flat feet?

Flat feet are exactly that — feet that do not have much, if any, of an arch. A normal foot has a slight arch on the inner part of the foot, which helps people bear weight more effortlessly and aids in movement as well. People who have flat feet do not have this arch in their feet and rather, their feet lie flat on the ground or only have a very small, insignificant arch.

Having flat feet is not a troubling issue for many who have it, especially for people who do not engage in much physical activity. For some, however, flat feet can become much more problematic and lead to concerning symptoms that require treatment.

Flat feet complications

Many who have flat feet do not experience any symptoms, but some others might. Some of the more common symptoms of flat feet include but are not limited to:

If the symptoms of flat feet are non-existent or can be managed through home remedies and proper rest, then seeking treatment may not be necessary. However, flat feet that result in more serious symptoms that cause the person to alter the way they live their life on a daily basis may need medical treatment to deal with the issue properly.

How flat feet can be treated

Much of flat feet treatment is about managing the symptoms and keeping the person pain-free each day. Those who experience constant and more severe symptoms from their flat feet may be able to benefit from doctor recommended insoles that are specifically created to reduce pain, swelling and aggravation caused by flat feet.

There are also a number of at-home exercises a doctor may recommend to patients with flat feet to help manage the symptoms. If obesity is placing increased pressure on the flat feet, then an exercise and weight loss program may be beneficial. In very rare instances, surgery may be an option if the bones in the foot did not develop as expected at a young age.

Talk to a doctor about treatment for your flat feet

If you suffer from symptoms of flat feet and want to learn more about how to find relief on a daily basis, then consult with us and schedule a time to come in for an initial visit for an examination and treatment recommendation.

Are you considering flat feet treatment in the Pocatello area? Get more flat feet information at https://www.pocatellopodiatry.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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