What does it mean to have flat feet?

A flat foot occurs when the arch of the foot collapses. The result is that the arch is at the same level as the heels and balls of your feet. Flat feet are relatively common and most people live with them without experiencing pain or discomfort. For others, however, having flat feet causes a number of foot problems, such as foot and leg pain, calf and ankle pain, and swelling ankles. More extreme symptoms include bunions, calluses, shin splints, inflammation, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. To figure out if you have flat feet, dip your foot in water. Then step on a piece of colored construction paper and evaluate what you see. You will see a strip that connects the front of the foot to the heel of the foot. If the strip is half the width as the front of your foot on the paper, your arches are normal. If the strip is close to the same width as the front of the foot, you have flat feet.

Why do I have flat feet?

The tendon that forms the arch may weaken over time causing the arch to collapse. Flat feet may also be associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the anklebones toward the centerline. This means that while walking, the foot has a tendency to come down on its inner margin. A foot injury may also be the culprit of fallen foot arches. Other factors to consider are disease, age, pregnancy, and obesity, In children, fallen arches may be caused by tarsal coalition, a condition that fuses two or more of the bones in the foot together resulting in flat feet. Flat feet are normal in toddlers and infants because they are still in the early growing stages.

How can I treat flat feet?

There are two types of flat feet. If you have flexible flat feet, then there is little to no pain and there is no need for treatment. That is because flexible flat feet have some type of arch. This is a normal condition. Having inflexible feet is abnormal and is an indication of a foot disease, injury or bone deformity. Your doctor will provide several options for dealing with flat feet including ankle braces, medication, surgery, or shoe arches and inserts. Known as orthotics, shoe arches provide support by molding to the contours of your feet. If your flat feet hurt or are causing you pain, see a doctor.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/beauty-articles/flat-feet-low-arches-can-cause-foot-problems-1717661.html

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A bunion is a bone displacement that usually occurs on the side of the big toe. This deformity causes the toe to curve towards the other toes. What you now have is a bunion, or bony joint on the side of your foot that can causeĀ foot pain and swelling. The pain is more noticeable when wearing tightly fitting shoes, such asĀ high heels. Although the pain alone may have you screaming surgery, there are ways to alleviate the pain of a bunion while keeping your sanity at the same time. Try these alternatives before considering surgery.

1. Wear comfortable shoes. Shoes that are comfortable allow your feet to move around in them. You can use a shoe stretcher for shoes that are too tight or purchase shoes that are one size bigger to relieve discomfort.
2. Wear high heels sparingly, taking care to alternate pumps with flat shoes, sneakers, or 1-2 inch heels.
3. Do not stand for long periods of time. Standing puts stress on your feet.
4. Wear bunion splints at night to help realign your feet.
5. Place a non-medicated pad around your bunion to alleviate pain.
6. Get arch supports to avoid having your foot slide back and forth in your shoes. The constant back and forth movement only adds pressure to your feet.
7. Soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes. This will soothe your feet.

These options will help reduce bunion pain. The last resort is always surgery. If you are experiencing unbearable pain, see a podiatrist for recommendations.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/beauty-articles/bunions-nothing-to-brag-about-1708789.html

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