Flat feet can be divided into two categories, pediatric and adult onset.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Pediatric flat foot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong> Adult onset flat foot syndrome<\/strong> Flat feet can be divided into two categories, pediatric and adult onset.\u00a0 Pediatric flat foot\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In many cases a flexible or low arch foot type is considered normal and requires no treatment.\u00a0 However, frequently the flat foot is a result of another problem, commonly a congenitally tight calf muscle.\u00a0 To compensate for this tight muscle, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":21,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-109","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=109"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":290,"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/109\/revisions\/290"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.footandankle.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=109"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n In many cases a flexible or low arch foot type is considered normal and requires no treatment.\u00a0 However, frequently the flat foot is a result of another problem, commonly a congenitally tight calf muscle.\u00a0 To compensate for this tight muscle, the foot adapts by collapsing.\u00a0 Often the first sign of problems in the infant is “toe-walking”.\u00a0 As the child begins to walk a bouncing gate is noticed with the heels minimally touching the ground.\u00a0 As the child’s weight increases, the compensation begins and the foot is forced to collapse.\u00a0 As an adult this may result in a multitude of problems from arthritis in the foot to knee and lower back problems.\u00a0 Early detection and appropriate treatment can result in a complete correction of the problem.\u00a0 Initial management usually involves molded arch supports, and physical therapy, but if this fails minimally invasive surgical procedures can have a dramatic effect.<\/p>\n
\n Adult onset flatfoot is a very different problem.\u00a0 The condition usually results from a failure of a major tendon supporting the feet.\u00a0 The syndrome usually develops in mid life and more commonly in women.\u00a0 The syndrome usually begins with swelling and tenderness just below the inside ankle bone.\u00a0 In early stages the tendon thickens but over time the tendon fiber begins to stretch out like a piece of taffy.\u00a0 In this second stage one notices the arch beginning to flatten and if untreated, completely collapsing.\u00a0 This can result in substantial foot, leg, hip, and lower back pain.\u00a0 Again early detection and appropriate treatment is critical.\u00a0 Initial evaluation usually requires weight bearing x-rays to check arch integrity as well as an ultrasonic exam to visualize the tendon.\u00a0 Often, if the tendon appears to be damaged, an MRI or weight bearing CT scan will be ordered.\u00a0 Depending on the stage of injury, treatment may include temporary immobilization followed by braces, molded arch supports, and physical therapy.\u00a0 If these fail there are a number of reconstructive procedures that our surgeons are skilled in performing.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"