Flat feet / fallen arches (over pronation)
In newborns and infants, prior to walking, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. Most feet are flexible and an arch becomes visible when children begin standing on their toes.
The arch continues to develop throughout childhood and by adulthood most people have developed 'normal' arches.
The arch continues to develop throughout childhood and by adulthood most people have developed 'normal' arches.
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On standing a flat arch will be seen and the foot may roll over to the inner aspect.
Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the condition. Flat feet are generally related with pronation, (an inclination of the ankle bones toward the centre line). Most people suffer from excessive pronation due to flat feet when walking, running and standing. Though the foot may appear normal when sitting down, with a clear arch present under the foot, over-pronation becomes noticeable when standing or walking as a result of weight bearing. Shoes of people who pronate, when placed side by side, will lean toward each other (after worn long enough for the foot position to remodel their shape). 
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Painful progressive flatfoot, otherwise known as tibialis
posterior tendonitis or adult-acquired flatfoot, refers to inflammation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior.
This condition arises when the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn.
Left untreated, it may lead to severe disability and chronic pain.
People are predisposed to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they have flat feet or an abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot.
Cerebral palsy, spins bifida and muscular dystrophy can also lead to a flat foot condition.
This condition arises when the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn.
Left untreated, it may lead to severe disability and chronic pain.
People are predisposed to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they have flat feet or an abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot.
Cerebral palsy, spins bifida and muscular dystrophy can also lead to a flat foot condition.
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications,
icing, physical therapy, supportive taping, bracing, and functional orthotics are common treatments for painful progressive flatfoot. In some cases, surgery may need to be performed to repair a torn or damaged tendon and restore normal function. In the most severe cases, surgery on the midfoot bones may be necessary to treat the associated flatfoot condition. |
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