Flat (Pronated) Feet
About Flat Fleet
Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse causing the middle of the soles to have more contact with the ground.
Flat feet themselves may not always have problems. However, it is possible that people with flat feet can experience symptoms such as foot pain, swelling, fatigue, or problems with balance and stability.
What causes A Flat Feet?
1. Weak Foot Muscles
Weakness or imbalance in the muscles of the feet and lower legs can contribute to the development of flat feet.
2. Dysfunction in the Knee, Hip, or Pelvis
Suboptimal biomechanics can lead to muscle imbalances and reduce alignment in the lower extremity. These dysfunctions can have butterfly effects and may cause compensations that can affect the arches of the feet.
3. Trauma
Injuries such as fractures, ligament sprains, or muscle tears can loosen and reduce stability of structures in the foot which may contribute to flat feet.
4. Age
With age, the supportive tissues in the feet can weaken and reduce arch height.
How does physiotherapy Treat Rotator Cuff Injuries?
Resolves The Root Cause
During the assessment, your therapist will assess your posture and movement patterns. They will create a care plan that targets your muscle imbalances to improve lower extremity alignment and stability. Your therapist will provide treatments, prescribe exercises, and educate you with regards to your symptoms.
management Strategies
1. Manual Therapy
Myofascial release: to reduce pain, tightness, and inflammation of the muscles, joints, nerves, and fascia of the affected areas.
Joint mobilization: to promote smooth joint movement and mobility of the foot, ankle, knee, and hip.
2. Biomechanical Optimization
Gait analysis and conditioning: to optimize walking and running with proper lower leg and foot mechanics.
Postural conditioning: corrects poor posture and improves alignment of the hip, knee, and foot.
3. Exercise Therapy
Stretching: to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension of the upper and lower leg, and foot.
Strengthening: to improve the activation and stability of the muscles in the lower back, core, lower leg, and foot to restore optimal foot function, stability, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
Home exercise program: individualized exercise prescription to restore optimal and balanced movement.
4. Modalities
Orthotics: to support the arches of the feet.
Acupuncture: use of thin needles to improve local and systemic function, regulate the nervous system, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Heat and cold therapy: to manage reduce pain and tension or control inflammation.
Electrostimulation: use of electrical currents to stimulate muscles and reduce pain.
Ultrasound: use of high-frequency sound waves to produce deep tissue heating to reduce muscle tension, fascial tension, and inflammation.
Laser therapy: to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
5. Education
Recommendations regarding lifestyle and activity modifications to reduce load on the feet and prevent future injuries.