Flat feet, or medically termed as pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet are lower than normal or completely collapsed. In severe cases, the entire sole of the foot will completely touch the ground. Although many people with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may face significant discomfort and long-term complications. Flat feet with symptoms typically warrant treatment to manage the pain and prevent further complications.
Flat feet occur when the foot arch either does not develop properly or collapses over time. It is a common foot deformity condition seen in Asian countries. Flat feet in children (paediatric pes planus), especially infants and toddlers, can be normal as the arches typically develop during childhood. However, flat feet that persist into adulthood or develop later in life can lead to various foot and lower limb problems, including pain, fatigue, and difficulty walking.
The arch of the foot is a key player in foot biomechanics, as it acts as a structural stabiliser when you walk, run, and stand. It also helps distribute your weight across the entire foot like a tripod, and it helps transfer load effectively from the heel to the forefoot. When the arch collapses or fails to hold its shape, the foot functions change, and the gait pattern is affected. As the foot function directly affects the walking pattern, fallen arches can lead to potential problems up the lower limbs, including the feet, ankles, knees, and even the hips or lower back. Therefore, addressing flat feet early is essential to prevent injuries and maintain overall foot health and mobility.
A person can develop flat feet for various reasons, including:
There are four primary types of flat feet:
While some individuals with flat feet may not experience any symptoms, others may encounter various problems. Common symptoms include:
Flat feet can lead to various conditions, especially if you neglect your foot health. While some individuals may only suffer pain later in life, some may develop these conditions as early as in their teens.
Keadaan yang berkaitan, seperti yang dilihat dalam penyelidikan, termasuk:
Treatment options to manage flat feet typically depend on the severity of the condition and the symptoms. Standard treatment options include:
In most cases, surgery is not necessary for treating flat feet. However, surgery may be beneficial if:
Common surgical procedures include tendon repair, realignment of the bones, or fusion of the joints in extreme cases. Surgery is usually considered a last resort when all other treatments have been exhausted.
If you experience pain, discomfort, or difficulty walking due to flat feet, it’s important to consult a podiatrist for an evaluation. A trained podiatrist will be able to differentiate the type of foot deformity, perform gait assessment, and recommend appropriate flat feet treatment options to help manage your concerns. You should see a podiatrist if:
Flat feet or pes planus can cause a range of issues, from mild discomfort to significant pain and functional limitations. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available can help you manage the condition and prevent complications. If you’re experiencing symptoms or struggling with foot pain, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional. At Straits Podiatry, our team of expert podiatrists is here to provide personalised care and support for all your foot health needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get back on the path to healthy, pain-free feet.
Artikel Berkaitan
Terdapat beberapa kaedah untuk menilai sama ada anda mempunyai lengkungan kaki yang normal. Anda boleh sama ada memerhatikan tapak kaki anda, menyemak corak haus kasut anda, atau melihat dari belakang tumit anda.
Tapak kaki ialah salah satu cara paling mudah untuk menilai gerbang kaki anda. Tapak kaki biasa akan mempunyai kelengkungan cekung yang jelas di gerbang. Seseorang yang mempunyai kaki rata tidak akan mempunyai kelengkungan cekung atau mungkin cembung.
A person with flat feet will have a medially distorted shoe upper, meaning the arch area bulges outwards. You will also notice that the heel counter starts to slant inwards. Excessive wear of the inner side of the sole is also a key sign.
Postur kaki yang ideal ialah mempunyai kedudukan tumit vertikel. Seseorang yang mempunyai kaki rata biasanya mempunyai kedudukan tumit condong ke dalam (membentuk segitiga), manakala kaki lengkung tinggi mungkin mempunyai kedudukan tumit condong ke luar (segitiga terbalik).
There are methods to correct flat feet permanently, the majority through surgical options. However, there are paediatric cases where the foot structure improves with the use of supramalleolar orthoses. Generally, conservative methods will no longer work once you reach adolescence or adulthood.
Ya, kaki rata boleh berkembang di kemudian hari disebabkan oleh faktor seperti penuaan, kecederaan atau keadaan perubatan tertentu. Adalah penting untuk menangani gejala lebih awal dan mendapatkan penilaian profesional untuk mengelakkan masalah selanjutnya.
Kasut dengan sokongan lengkungan yang baik, kusyen berstruktur dan kestabilan tapak tengah adalah yang terbaik untuk individu yang mempunyai kaki rata. Cari kasut yang direka untuk menyokong dan mengurangkan ketegangan pada kaki, dan pertimbangkan untuk berunding dengan pakar kaki untuk cadangan yang diperibadikan.
Ya, kaki rata boleh menyebabkan kesakitan di kawasan lain, seperti lutut, pinggul dan bahagian bawah belakang, disebabkan oleh mekanik kaki yang diubah dan penjajaran yang tidak betul. Ketegangan tambahan pada kawasan ini boleh mengakibatkan ketidakselesaan dan kesakitan.
Ortotik tersuai boleh menjadi sangat berkesan jika ia ditetapkan dan direka bentuk dengan betul. Ia direka untuk memberikan sokongan yang diperibadikan, mekanik kaki yang betul dan mengurangkan kesakitan. Ramai individu mendapat kelegaan yang ketara dengan ortotik yang dipasang dengan betul. Kami amat mengesyorkan berjumpa Pakar Podiatrik untuk preskripsi ortotik kaki anda dan bukannya pergi ke kedai kasut atau juruteknik ortotik.
Straits Podiatry (Buona Vista),
31 Rochester Drive,
#02-01 (Blok Hotel),
138637 Singapura
Straits Podiatry (Katong),
i12 Katong, 112 Pantai Timur Rd,
#03-01/02/03/04/28,
Singapura, 428802.
Podiatri Selat (Kebun),
Perubatan Jepun Healthway
@The Centrepoint
176 Jalan Orchard,
#06-05,
Singapura, 238843