How Do Flat Feet Affect Your Overall Health?
You may have heard the term ‘Flat Feet’ and might even know what the condition is all about. But did you know that if left untreated, it can adversely affect your overall health leading to physical discomfort and hindrances in your daily activities?
Yes, you read that right!
Dr KP Meda, our experienced chiropodist, has years of experience in the domain. He is well-versed in the risks and challenges of a Flat Feet. He can thus offer you suitable Flat Feet treatment in Dubai and help you keep your feet healthy whether your arch is ideal or not.
What is Flat Feet?
Flat feet happen when the arch of the foot is too low while standing.
When we are toddlers, we naturally tend to have flat feet. The majority of the time, your arch evolves over time. However, for some people, this never occurs. If you’ve always had flat feet, you might never have any issues with them. In other words, although the foot naturally flattens as it bears weight, flat feet have no or little arch, putting the entire sole of the foot in contact with the ground. Due to insufficient weight support while standing or moving, you may face various flat foot problems such as ankle, leg, and back pain.
Whatever the cause be, it is important to see a well-qualified foot doctor in Dubai.
How can Flat Feet affect your overall health?
Many people with flat feet discover that it has an impact on many aspects of their overall health.
Since fallen arches or flat feet do not provide your feet with the necessary support, you may experience the following conditions:
Muscle Strain
Flat feet are less capable of keeping the body stable than feet with a normal arch. As a result, people with flat feet have higher chances of developing chronic muscle strain because the body’s muscles are forced to compensate for the foot’s lack of stability. While your body may adapt to your foot’s lack of support during daily activities, increasing your activity level even slightly can cause significant pain and muscle strain.
Chronic Leg and Back Pain
When you stand or walk, your feet are designed to keep your entire lower body in the proper position. Flat feet do not provide the same foundation for good posture as do heels. The lower legs tend to rotate inward as the foot collapses toward the ground. This inward rotation can cause long-term leg and back pain by affecting the entire leg, including the hips.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Flat feet are a common source of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. The feet are the foundation of your body’s balance; if they do not provide adequate support, it can increase your risk of joint problems caused by poor posture and unnatural gait. Flat Feet also make the feet, ankles, knees, or hips more prone to injury and pain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a common ankle condition that people with flat foot problems encounter. This is more common in people who have flat feet. Plantar fasciitis is caused by overstretching of the tendons in the feet. This condition causes severe foot pain, particularly in the morning.
Overpronation
Flat feet are more vulnerable to overpronation, which occurs when the ankles roll inward while walking. This can further cause pain in the feet and ankles.
Do not let Flat Feet hamper your overall health - Seek Flat Feet Treatment in Dubai
Seeing an expert podiatrist such as Dr KP Meda is the best way to treat any issues associated with flat feet. With his extensive experience of 23 years in this area, you can trust that he will provide you with the best advice and treatment for your condition.
Dr KP Meda may suggest some exercises along with a certain line of treatments:
Foot exercises for Flat Feet
- Exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the foot, as well as to improve gait.
- Extending the heel cord and rolling the golf ball to improve foot and ankle strength and flexibility.
- Stretching exercises for the tendon may be beneficial.
Possible Treatments
- Our podiatrist may prescribe Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing pain and discomfort.
- Strengthening your feet and ankles with physical therapy
- Appropriate physical activity and nutrition
- Using a brace or a splint
- Usage of Orthotics – Insert orthotics into your shoes. People with flat feet must wear the proper type of shoes. Orthotic inserts can help you correct your foot position, which in turn can help you improve your posture.
For a detailed diagnosis and all your flat foot problems, book an appointment with Dr KP Meda today!