Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, may seem a minor inconvenience. However, left unaddressed, this condition can significantly impact your overall health. Understanding how flat feet influence your body and recognizing the signs can help you take steps toward better foot health.
At Michigan Foot and Ankle Institute in Clinton Township, Edmund J. Kowalchick, DPM, and the team diagnose and treat flat feet.
One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of flat feet is foot pain. Without the natural arch to distribute weight evenly, your feet may experience increased pressure during everyday activities like walking or standing. Increased pressure can lead to sore, achy feet, particularly after a long day. The discomfort often centers in the heel or arch area but can spread to the toes and ankles.
Flat foot pain may worsen, especially if you are on your feet all day. We invite you to schedule an appointment to explore personalized solutions, such as custom orthotics or braces, lifestyle changes, or surgical options for severe cases.
Flat feet don't just affect the feet — they can also disrupt your body's alignment. Your feet act as the foundation for your entire skeletal structure. When the arches collapse, they can throw off your posture and how you walk, creating a ripple effect through your knees, hips, and lower back.
Knee pain is a common complaint among people with flat feet. Fallen arches can alter your gait and put undue stress on the knees. Similarly, hip and lower back pain often arise due to poor alignment and increased strain on muscles compensating for the lack of support in the feet.
The arches in your feet also help maintain balance and stability. Without arches, you might feel more fatigued after standing or walking for extended periods. Lack of stability increases your chance of tripping or falling.
Flat feet can interfere with your performance during sports or other high-impact activities. The reduced support and shock absorption increases your risk of injuries, such as ankle sprains or stress fractures. If you notice these challenges, it might be time to explore solutions.
Flat feet can trigger a domino effect of complications throughout your body, setting the stage for a range of painful conditions that demand attention. Plantar fasciitis, for example, is a common issue that causes sharp heel pain when the tissue along the bottom of your foot becomes overstressed due to the lack of an arch.
You might notice your Achilles tendon rebelling, too. This powerful cord tightens and inflames as it works overtime to compensate for your fallen arches.
When these painful conditions persist, they can start to affect everyday life. Simple tasks may become uncomfortable, and you might avoid activities you used to enjoy. The frustration of ongoing pain or limited mobility can even impact your mood or overall mental health.
If flat feet are causing discomfort or interfering with your daily life, seeking help early is key. Our experienced and compassionate team can recommend various treatments, from custom orthotics that provide better support to physical therapy that strengthens your feet and legs. Our doctors might consider performing surgery to restore proper function.
Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn how we can help relieve the problems caused by flat feet.
