The flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are a common condition of the feet in which the arches of the feet have sunk or are significantly low. This condition can affect one or both feet and can cause discomfort or pain by standing, walking or participating in physical activities. Recognizing the symptoms of a fallen arc is crucial for early detection and proper treatment.
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Pain or discomfort on the feet: one of the most common symptoms of flat foot is pain or discomfort in the arc area. It can be from a deaf pain to acute and sharp pain. The pain can get worse when you stand for a long time, walking or running.
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Tired or fatigued feet: people with fallen arches often experience excessive fatigue or a feeling of tiredness in the feet, especially after performing physical activity. This can be attributed to the increase in tension in the muscles and tendons of the foot.
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Difficulty carrying certain footwear: flat feet can make it difficult to search for comfortable footwear. Shoes that do not offer adequate support for the arc of the foot can aggravate the symptoms and cause more discomfort. People with flat feet may notice that their shoes wear out quickly or unequally.
It is important to point out that having flat feet does not always cause pain or discomfort. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a health professional to evaluate your status and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Understanding fallen arches
Causes of fallen arches
- Genetics: Some individuals are born with flat feet naturally due to their genetic predisposition.
- Injuries or trauma: an injury to the feet, like an ankle sprain, can cause the appearance of fallen arches.
- Pregnancy: hormonal changes and weight gain during pregnancy can cause the feet arches to be applauded.
- Aging: As we age, the tendons and ligaments of the feet can weaken, causing the fall of the arches.
The fall of the arches can cause various symptoms, including
- Pain or discomfort in the feet, especially in the arch area.
- Tiredness or pain in the feet, especially after standing or walking for a long time.
- Difficulty to put on or find shoes that provide adequate support.
- Swelling or inflammation of the foot.
To diagnose the fallen arches, a healthcare professional will perform a physical examination of the feet and can evaluate the march and alignment of the person’s feet. Treatment options may include:
- Orthopedic devices: tailored templates or arc supports can provide additional support and relieve pain.
- Physiotherapy: Exercises and stretching can strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the feet, improving the arch function.
- Footwear modifications: the use of footwear with adequate support for the arc of the foot can help relieve symptoms.
- Medications: No n-steroidal ant i-inflammatory (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation.
| 1. Maintain a healthy weight | A high body weight can overload your feet and contribute to the fall of the arc of the foot. Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent condition. |
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| 2. Use proper footwear | Choosing a footwear with an adequate plantar arc and damping can provide stability and reduce the risk of developing fallen arches. |
| 3. Strengthen foot muscles | Perform feet exercises regularly, such as fingers and arc elevations, can strengthen the muscles and prevent arch fall. |
Physical Discomfort
One of the main sources of physical discomfort derived from the fall of the arches is the pain of feet. The sinking of the arches can exert excessive tension in the ligaments, tendons and foot muscles, which causes pain and discomfort. This pain can be located in the arc area or irradate other parts of the foot, such as heel or ball.
IMPORTANT: The foot pain associated with the fallen arches can be aggravated with certain activities, such as standing or walking for a long time, which involve an additional load for the feet.
In addition, people with fallen arches can experience pain and discomfort in the ankles. The lack of adequate plantar arch can cause the ankles to move inwards, what is known as overpronation. This misalignment can force the ligaments and tendons that surround the ankle joint, causing pain and discomfort.
- Ankle pain usually gets worse during physical activity or after long periods.
- There may also be swelling and inflammation around the ankles.
- To relieve ankles discomfort caused by fallen arches, it is necessary to carry support footwear and make regular breaks.
In addition, the inconvenience at the bottom of the legs are another common symptom associated with the fallen arches. Altered foot mechanics can cause excessive tension in calf and warm muscles, which causes pain and fatigue.
- Pain can worsen with physical activity or prolonged periods standing.
- Regular stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as the use of proper footwear, can help relieve discomfort at the bottom of the leg associated with fallen arches.
| Symptoms of fallen arches: | |
|---|---|
| 1. Foot pain: | Pain located or irradiated in the arch, the heel or the ball of the foot. |
| 2. 2. Ankles pain: | Pain and swelling around the ankles, which worsens with physical activity and prolonged permanence standing. |
| 3. Discomfort at the bottom of the leg: | Pain and fatigue in the calf and warm muscles. |
Foot and leg pain
Symptoms of foot and legs:
- Sensation of deaf or acute pain in the affected area.
- Difficulty supporting foot or leg.
- Swelling and inflammation.
- Touch sensitivity.
- Limitation of movement amplitude.
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Note: It is important to consult a healthcare professional to obtain a precise diagnosis if the pain of feet and legs persists or significantly affects everyday activities.
In some cases, foot and legs can be caused by a fallen arch, also known as flat foot. This occurs when the arc of the foot sinks, causing the entire sole of the foot to contact the ground. This condition can be accompanied by pain and discomfort, especially during activities that involve standing, walking or running. Treatment options for fallen arches can include orthopedic devices, physiotherapy and, in severe cases, surgery.
Treatment and prevention
When foot and leg pain occurs, it is essential to rest and raise the affected limb to reduce swelling and favor healing. The application of ice bags can also help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In addition, sales analgesics without recipe can provide temporary relief, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to obtain appropriate medical advice and diagnosis.
Foot and leg pain prevention:
- Use proper footwear that provides arc support and damping.
- Perform stretching exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles of the feet and legs.
- Avoid excessive impact activities or alternate them with low impact exercises.
- Gradually increase the intensity and duration of physical activities to prevent lesions due to excessive use.
| Causes of foot and legs | Treatment options |
|---|---|
| Excessive use injuries | Rest, ice, physiotherapy |
| Sprains or distensions | Rest, immobilization, rehabilitation exercises |
| Tendonitis | Rest, immobilization, ant i-inflammatories |
| Plantar fasciitis | Stretching, orthopedic devices, physiotherapy |
| Stress fractures | Rest, immobilization, pain treatment |
Swelling and inflammation
Swelling is a common manifestation of the body’s inflammatory response. It is usually characterized by an abnormal enlarging of the foot, which can make walking and everyday activities are quite painful and uncomfortable. The affected foot may seem swollen, and the skin can feel tirade or stretched. In some cases, swelling can even spread to the ankle and the lower leg.
Inflammation is the body’s immune response to an injury, infection or irritation. In the case of a fallen arch, inflammation usually occurs in the tendons, ligaments and soft tissues that surround the arc of the foot. This inflammatory process can cause redness, heat and sensitivity in the affected area. It is important to note that the seriousness of inflammation can vary from one person to another, since some individuals experience minor discomfort, while others may have more important symptoms.
Poor balance and stability
One of the key factors that contribute to the lack of balance and stability is the alteration of the alignment of the foot and the ankle. The collapse of the arc of the foot makes the foot turn excessively inwards, what is known as overpronation. This excessive balancing inward can alter the natural balance of the body and cause balance problems.
To better understand the effects of a poor balance and stability, let’s examine some important data:
1. Greater risk of falls: people with fallen arches usually have difficulty maintaining balance, especially on irregular surfaces. This greatest risk of falls can cause various injuries.
2. 2. Deterioration of coordination: altered alignment of the feet can also affect coordination, which makes it difficult to carry out activities that require precise movements, such as walking on narrow surfaces or participating in sports.
3. Reduced proprioception: proprioception, the meaning of the body of its position in space, can be affected by a fallen arch. This can lead to a decrease in the ability to perceive subtle changes in the field or adjust body movements accordingly.
The balance and stability caused by a fallen arc usually approach with a multifaceted approach. The use of proper footwear with the plantar arc well and of orthopedic devices can help correct the alignment of the foot and improve the balance. In addition, performing strengthening exercises to the foot and ankle can improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.
| Exercise | Description |
|---|---|
| Stand with one leg | Stop on one leg keeping your balance for 30 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. |
| Elevation of calves | Get up on the tips of your feet and lower again. Repeat 10-15 times. |
| An alphabillius | Draw the alphabet letters with the fingers of the feet, moving only the ankle joint. Repeat with both feet. |
Visible changes in foot structure
1. flattened arc: The main visible change in the structure of the foot associated with the fallen arches is the flattening of the arc. Normally, a healthy foot has a defined curve along the inner part of the sole of the foot, known as arc. However, in people with fallen arches, this arc is flattened significantly or completely, which makes the foot look more flat seen in profile. This lack of arc support can cause additional tension on the feet and affect the stability and general balance of the person.
- In individuals with fallen arches, the arc of the foot is flattened visibly.
- The absence of the arc can be observed when examining the foot from side.
2. Overpronation: Overpronation is another visible change that usually accompanies the fallen arches. This term refers to excessive balance of the foot inwards when walking or running. When the arches of the foot sink, the foot rolls excessively inward, which causes the entire floor to enter the ground. Overpronation can cause a misalignment of the joints of the lower extremities, which can cause pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees and even the lumbar area.
- Fallen arches usually cause overpronation, which is characterized by excessive foot balance inwards.
- Overpronation can contribute to the misalignment of the joints and various associated problems.
It is important to note that, although visible changes in the structure of the foot can provide initial clues about the presence of fallen arches, the appropriate diagnosis must be made by a medical professional. This will carry out an exhaustive exam, which may include the analysis of the march, the evaluation of the amplitude of movement and the completion of additional tests to determine with precision if a person has a fallen arc or any other affection of the related foot.
Impact on Daily Activities
1. Difficulty walking and standing: A fallen arch can make walking and standing for long periods of time difficult and painful. This is because the arch of the foot helps evenly distribute body weight and absorb shock when walking or standing. When the arch sinks, the foot flattens, causing altered biomechanics that can strain the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the foot and lower leg. This can cause fatigue and pain in the feet, making activities like walking to work, shopping, or exercising more difficult.
Quote: “A fallen arch can cause foot fatigue and pain, making activities like walking to work, shopping, or exercising more challenging.”
2. Decreased mobility and range of motion: With a fallen arch, the foot loses its natural support and stability, which can lead to decreased mobility and range of motion. This can make it difficult to perform activities that require flexibility and agility of the foot, such as running, dancing, or playing sports. People with a fallen arch may also experience difficulties with balance, making them more prone to falls and injuries.
- Difficulty performing activities that require flexibility and agility of the foot
- Increased risk of falls and injuries due to impaired balance
3. Chronic pain and discomfort: One of the most notable impacts of a fallen arch is the presence of chronic pain and discomfort. As the arch sinks, the structure of the foot is altered, increasing stress on certain areas of the foot. This can cause pain in the foot and ankle, as well as the knees, hips, and lower back. Constant discomfort can make it difficult to concentrate on daily tasks, decreasing productivity and overall quality of life.
- Chronic foot and ankle pain
- Pain in knees, hips and lower back
- Decreased productivity and quality of life
Understanding the impact of a fallen arch on daily activities is essential to seeking appropriate medical intervention and taking the necessary steps to manage and treat the condition. By addressing symptoms and finding appropriate solutions, people with fallen arches can regain comfort and improve their ability to perform everyday tasks.
