Flat Feet is a very common condition that afflicts 1 out of every 4 Americans according to the American Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Society. One in four people translates to an estimated 60 million Americans.
The paradox is that the majority of people who have flat fee don’t know it, as they have not yet had any symptoms. They are born with a congenital flat foot condition, and sometimes it takes years for pain or discomfort to develop. However, it’s important to note, that some people develop flat feet even when they have normal arches.

What Is It?
When an individual has no arch in the sole of the foot, it causes the foot to be flat while in a standing position. The sole of each foot would be partially, or completely, touching the floor.

Congenital Flat Foot Condition
Babies are sometimes born with what’s called Pediatric Flexible Flat Foot.  Flexible refers to cases where an arch is visible until weight is borne by the foot and the arch disappears.These are cases where one is predisposed to the condition from birth.

Acquired Flat Foot
Over time, many people for a variety of reasons develop flat feet. Interestingly, one of the most common ways stems from the effect of tightness in the Achilles’ tendon. This can cause the foot to point downward – a condition called plantar flexion. This misalignment may trick the body into behaving like one leg is “longer” than the other. The body, a master of compensation, will flatten the arch to make up for the perceived additional length.

What Are Other Causes of Flat Feet?
The foot literally carries the weight of the entire body. Consider the simple act of walking. The body’s weight is multiplied 3 to 4 times on each foot. So any misalignment or extra weight can be very punishing on the feet and arches. Over time, the arch of the metatarsal can literally become flattened out causing flat feet.

Other Factors.
Family history
Weak arches
Arthritis
Diabetes
Injury
Ruptured tendon
Pregnancy

When to Call Our Office for Treatment.
If you have foot or leg pain, our doctorsat Laurel Foot & Ankle Center or Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates can help provide relief. We will provide you with a proper diagnosis and design a treatment plan that will work for you.

Please Contact Us Today If You Are Experiencing Any Of The Following.
Painful feet despite wearing of well-fitting shoes
Shoes get easily worn out
The flatness of feet is worsening
Numbness, stiffness or weakness of the feet

Contact our offices Laurel Foot & Ankle Center or Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates  and schedule an appointment today.
To learn more about Flat Foot, go to Heel Pain Institute of America and Laurel Foot & Ankle Center or Northern Virginia Foot & Ankle Associates.