Fallen arches, or Flat Feet, are often misunderstood and can be a source of concern for many. However, as a Clinical Myotherapist, I want to reassure you that flat feet are not inherently problematic. In fact, they can be pretty standard and, in many cases, don’t require any treatment at all. Let’s learn why.
Understanding Flat Feet (FF)
When the feet’ arch presents as flat, what is occurring is a flat foot, resulting in the entire sole of the foot making contact with the ground.
What you may not have noticed yet is that this presentation can be triggered by being on your feet, as in standing on it, and not by lying down or in a seated position with the feet off the ground. This is what we would call structural FF.
What are Structural Flat Feet?
Structural FF also known as rigid FF , involve an anatomical abnormality where the arch does not form properly. This “malformation” could be caused by genetic factors or developmental issues. What the arch would look like is lower than usual or absent entirely, which is often a lifelong condition.
Now, despite their appearance, structurally flat feet are less likely to lead to pain or discomfort. The body, indeed, as it is a functional bio-machine, would easily adapt well to this anatomical variation, and many people with structural flat feet can lead active and healthy lives without any special interventions.
Different is the anatomical presentation for functional flat feet, and let’s see why.
Functional Flat Feet
Functional FF on the other hand, result from how the foot functions rather than an inherent structural issue. In this case, the foot arch may appear flat when standing or walking due to excessive strain or an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that support the arch. When the foot is not bearing weight, the arch may appear normal. Potentially, you could also have one flat foot and one that isn’t when having a functional presentation. This is a common one for those who suffer from structural scoliosis.
The main reasons why you may present with functional FF is due to muscle Imbalance, within the foot and ankle. This might be due to overuse, poor posture, or repetitive stress.
Other reasons include conditions such as overpronation or excessive weight. Addressing these underlying issues can often alleviate the problem.
What can be done for Functional Flat Feet?
- Changing in foot wear, could be an option. Based on the activity that you are doing on a daily basis life, certain types of footwear may help more than
others. - Orthotics, which are custom or over-the-counter arch supports, can provide temporary relief and improve function, but these often are over-estimated tools that get prescribed at random.
- Exercises: Strengthening exercises for the feet and lower legs can help improve muscle balance and support the arch, reduce the pain and improve motor function. In some cases, as explained in this study by Sanchez-Rodriguez et al. (2020), exercises can change the shape of the feet for the better if the intervention is done at an early age; in others, it can help maintain the feet pain-free.
When Should You Worry?
Most people with flat feet experience no symptoms, and if that’s the case, you do not need to worry about changing the presentation, as it could lead to pain and discomfort.
If you are experiencing pain, on the other hand, is worth it to consult an health care practitioner, that can be a podiatrist, or book an appointment at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, where we are going to evaluate if the pain is due to the flat feet it self, or to other conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or other pathologies.
The Bigger Picture
It’s essential to remember that FF are just one of many variations of normal foot anatomy. They do not necessarily indicate a health problem or affect your overall well-being. For most individuals, flat feet are simply a characteristic of their body and do not require any special treatment.
In conclusion, whether you have structural or functional flat feet, it’s essential to focus on how you feel and function rather than the appearance of your feet. In many cases, flat feet are perfectly normal and do not pose any significant health risks.