Other names: dog planus

Flat foot is the most common orthopedic defect at all. This reduction arch of the foot in varying degrees affects both gait and posture of the whole body and adaptive function of the foot – the ability to absorb shocks. We divide it into several stages, from moderate forms, which do not occur when walking pain and actively defect can be corrected through the second stage associated with tiredness and swelling of the legs and heavier grades, the flat foot causes pain and stiffness of the surrounding muscles.

Flat foot is influenced by many factors. Besides genetic predispositions flat foot can also cause obesity, hormonal changes in menopause, for example, vitamin deficiency (particularly vit. D affecting the deposition of calcium into the bones), but the impact may have the wrong shoes or professional hazing.

Therapy

The “home” treat flat feet, or at least to alleviate pain in severe stages are used, for example,weight loss, wearing orthopedic insoles and overall, appropriate footwear, a shower alternating hot and cold water.

Positive factors include walking barefoot on natural terrain, exercises such as walking on the lateral side of the foot or swimming.

In children, it is important to try to prevent flatness feet, here it is worth to consult both exercise and proper footwear with a pediatrician. In adults, it depends on the degree of flat feet, if it is a very serious defect that causes pain and stiffness on awakening permanent surrounding muscles and ligaments, it is possible to solve the problem as well as operationally.