Walking, running, jogging, and even skipping are part of everyday life, particularly for individuals who are always on the go. These usual activities can be hampered with the onset of foot pains, which may indicate a more serious concern than what meets the eye.
One of the most common conditions that afflict individuals of all ages is pes planus, otherwise known as having flat feet or fallen arches. Though this can be prevalent with little to no physical pain or symptoms, having your foot checked by a specialist can help alleviate the discomfort that hinders you from living your best life.
Flat Footedness – What is It?
Flat footedness, or pes planus, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses. This is commonly caused by genetics, age, injuries, or overpronation. Overpronation occurs when the arch of the feet naturally rolls inward during routine movement and the outer part of the heel, in turn, comes contact with the floor.
This condition can also develop as a result of wearing ill-fitting shoes, obesity, weight gain, and the onset of diabetes. Meanwhile, certain medical conditions and metabolic disorders also contribute to the overall weakening of the arch muscles.
As a result of the above-mentioned causes, individuals suffering from this deformity are more likely to have their foot gain complete contact or near-contact with the ground.
Side Effects of Having Fallen Arches
While many may see this deformity as a visual issue, suffering from fallen arches can cause physical pain not only in the arch and feet area, but also in other parts of the body. These can affect your overall quality of life, particularly when it comes to doing daily tasks or activities such as walking, running, or even standing for long periods.
- Heightened Body Pain
Individuals suffering from this deformity are most likely to suffer pain in a number of areas of their body. While people with flat feet tend to focus solely on the pain in their arch and feet area, many patients suffering from this condition have reportedly experienced ache and discomfort in their ankles and feet, knees, hip, and lower back.
- Injury-Prone
The stress and uneven weight distribution can also lead to more injuries in the long run. The swelling on your ankles and arches may contribute to serious accidents and injuries, such as increasing the risk for shin splints, heel spurs, and tendon inflammation.
- Limited Range of Motion
Due to aches and the general discomfort that one may experience as a result of having fallen arches, this can bring about an idler lifestyle and a limited range in movements. This can affect the general quality of life as this condition can affect simple activities such as standing and walking.
Flat footedness can have concerning health effects. To immediately identify the cause of pain and discomfort in your legs and feet, make sure to consult with a foot doctor Wellington FL
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