How Do Adults Fix Flat Feet?
Whether you’re suffering from flat feet or you want to prevent it, you need to know about the treatments available for this condition. There are several options available, including surgery and nonsurgical treatments. You can also learn about how to avoid flat feet and the symptoms of this condition, which will make it easier to treat your foot pain.
Symptoms of flat feet
Symptoms of flat feet may include pain and swelling in the arch, ankle and heel. These symptoms may be caused by a number of factors, including a strained or damaged tendon, an injury to the foot or ankle, or a disease of the nervous system.
The main support structure for the foot arch, the posterior tibial tendon, is often damaged with age, injury, and overuse. People who are obese and people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
When the arch of the foot descends inward, it can cause abnormal stresses on the knee, hip, and ankle. This causes a change in gait, which can exacerbate flat feet. The posterior tibial tendon is also often torn by athletes participating in high impact sports.
Flat feet may also be caused by deformities of the bones, joints, or ligaments. These are often diagnosed by a doctor, who may order x-rays and imaging studies. In addition, a physical therapist may suggest specific exercises to help improve the condition.
If you suspect that you have flat feet, you may experience pain or swelling in the arch or ankle, or in the heel or calf. The pain may get worse with activity. It may also spread to the back or hip. If your foot is swollen, you may be able to relieve the pain by using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Using ice packs can also help alleviate pain.
Other signs of flat feet may include shin splints or a tight calf muscle. If your ankles are swollen, you may also have arthritis. Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and can limit the range of motion between the bones. It is common for people with arthritis to develop flat feet.
People with flat feet may also experience pain and swelling in other parts of the body, such as the hips, knees, or ankles. The pain can get worse as activity increases, so you may want to avoid exercise that puts stress on the lower legs. Using orthotics and supportive shoes can help relieve these symptoms.
Treatment options
Having flat feet can cause many problems, including pain and gait problems. A doctor will evaluate your symptoms and may recommend one of several treatment options. Some of these options include nonsurgical treatment, which may help to ease pain and discomfort. In some cases, a surgery may be recommended.
Nonsurgical treatment options may include arch supports and shoe inserts. These devices help to stabilize the arch of your foot and correct gait problems. Some people may need custom orthotics for additional support.
Physical therapy is also an option. A physical therapist can help you perform stretching exercises to help alleviate back, knee and foot pain. Some physical therapists also recommend specific exercises that can help to correct the way you walk.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help to ease inflammation. Corticosteroids are typically administered through injections. They may also be used to reduce pain in children.
An MRI scan can give detailed images of the bones and soft tissues in your feet. A doctor may also order an X-ray or CT scan to examine your feet from the front and back. These tests can be used to examine the bones, tendons and muscles in your feet.
An orthopedic surgeon may be able to treat your feet with a variety of procedures, including grafting bones or lengthening tendons. They may also perform PRP injections to repair a damaged posterior tibialis tendon. Surgical options can be minimally invasive or more complicated.
Surgery is considered a last resort option for flat feet. It can correct arthritis and realign the bones in your foot. Some people may also need a bone graft to create a new arch.
Orthotics are a popular conservative treatment option for people with flat feet. These devices are custom-made to fit the shape of your foot. These devices may help to support the arch of your foot and provide extra cushioning to help relieve pain.
A fusion of the ankle and talonavicular joints is another option. This procedure is usually a positive result.
Other treatment options for adults with flat feet include arch supports, pain relief medications, and physical therapy. These treatments can help to relieve pain, improve gait, and improve overall outlook.
Nonsurgical treatments
Having flat feet can be debilitating. Not only can it cause pain, but it can also prevent people from enjoying the many activities that they love. There are many nonsurgical treatments available to help with pain and other issues. However, if pain persists or deformity develops, surgical treatment may be recommended.
Nonsurgical treatments for adults with flat feet include using a cast, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and wearing orthotic devices in your shoes. These treatments may reduce inflammation, ease pain, and provide other benefits. However, if these treatments don’t work, your podiatrist may recommend surgery.
A fusion is a surgical procedure that involves fusing two or more joints. This procedure can help realign the foot and eliminate pain. In addition, it can help preserve the range of motion of the ankle.
Nonsurgical treatments for adults with flat foot may also include stretching exercises. This can help improve flexibility, reduce pain, and help alleviate back pain. In addition, an ankle brace or walking cast may be recommended. If pain persists, it may be necessary to immobilize the foot with weights.
Another nonsurgical treatment for adults with flat foot is the use of over-the-counter painkillers. This may help reduce inflammation and pain, but it may not cure your condition. In addition, physical therapy may be recommended to increase flexibility and improve range of motion.
Surgical treatments for adults with flat feet include arthrodesis, which involves realigning bones in the foot. This procedure may also involve bone grafting, which uses transplanted bone to build a new arch. In addition, the procedure may involve bone cuts and tendons that support the arch of the foot.
In some cases, a fusion may be recommended to correct arthritis. A fusion is a surgical procedure that can help realign the foot and eliminate pain. During the procedure, the joint cartilage is removed and replaced with bone graft material. This fusion procedure may also involve instrumentation to secure the bones.
Other nonsurgical treatments for adults with flat feet include using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and wearing an ankle brace or walking cast. These treatments may reduce inflammation, ease pain, improve flexibility, and prevent or reduce pain.
Surgery
Surgical treatment for adults with flat feet has been shown to reduce the pain and improve the quality of life for patients. There are several different types of surgeries for this condition. There are bone procedures, joint fusions and soft tissue procedures. The type of surgery depends on the patient’s age, severity of the condition and foot stiffness.
Bone procedures may include realigning the heel, adding bone graft to the outer edge of the foot and restoring the foot’s arch. Joint fusion procedures include essential and non-essential foot joints. These procedures restore the foot’s normal shape and function.
Patients will be numbed with a topical anesthetic. The foot will be in a cast for 6 weeks. After this time, the patient will have regular follow up appointments with the surgeon. It will be important not to put any weight on the affected foot for 6 to 8 weeks.
Patients will receive physical therapy to help them recover their range of motion. They may also be prescribed an ankle brace. Physical therapy can reduce inflammation and muscle pain.
The use of anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroid injections can also be effective in relieving symptoms. However, patients who take oral steroids should be checked by a physician. These medications are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. Patients can also use other conservative treatments.
Flat foot surgery may be performed under regional anesthesia, which involves numbing the foot and ankle with a spinal block. In addition, general anesthesia may be used. The surgeon may insert a metal plate to increase the arch. Patients may also have instrumentation placed to secure the bones during the fusion procedure.
Patients who are obese have a higher risk for wound problems and blood clots. They may also need to take additional time to recover. During the initial six weeks, patients will need wheelchair assistance.
Patients may have generalized pain after surgery. They may also feel generalized fatigue or a generalized feeling of discomfort. Swelling may occur for months after surgery. This swelling will reduce with time. Patients may also experience muscle cramps in the leg.