FLAT FEET

Symptoms;
                   Flat feet are usually hereditary and commonly associated with symptoms in the foot, leg, knees, hips and/or back. Flat feet tend to cause the foot and ankle bones to move or stay in a downward or pronated position. This abnormal positon and the abnormal motion it creates places a direct strain on the anatomy of the foot and leg. This condition is associated with boney deformities such as spurs, hammertoes, bunions and arthritis from abnormal, excessive bone and joint motion. This same abnormal motion places strain on the ligaments and tendons in the foot and leg that can cause improper gait, aching, soreness and /or tiredness.

Evaluation;
                   Your Podiatrist will discuss your symptoms and activity as it relates to your condition. The Podiatrist will then examine, palpate and perform range of motion excercises to determine the extent of the deformity. He or she will probably perform gait analysis or observe your feet and legs throughout the walking cycle. Standing x-rays are taken to evaluate the bone structure, mechanics, deformity and related conditions as it appears with weight on the foot.


Treatment;
                  Conservative treatment includes treatment for any related deformity, but ultimately, custom functional foot orthoses are necessary to control the abnormal position and function of the feet and legs. This condition tends to be progressive in both the actual collapsing of the arch of the foot and also on all the parts of the foot and leg that move abnormally because of the collapsed arch. If conservative measures fail, then an outpatient procedure can be performed to correct the collapsed arch and related deformities.

 

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CHILDRENS FEET

Symptoms;
                   There are so many milestones achieved in a child's early years that often it is easy to overlook potential foot problems. Since early detection of certain abnormalities is an advantage for the most straightforward and effective treatment, it is important to focus on the health of your child's feet. Signs for consideration in an infant include; abnormal hip, leg or foot position. As the child becomes a toddler, the parent may notice delayed or difficulty walking, curled toes or toes that over/underlap, one or both feet that angle inward or outward, and/or an excessively low or high arched foot. As the child begins to grow, certain deformities may start to become more noticeable. Evaluation by a Podiatrist is important to determine the best course of action for the child. Although many times a parent or even the child's pediatrician feels foot related problems are something the child will outgrow, frequently this is not the case and even subtle deformities are most easily corrected with early assessment and treatment.

Evaluation;
                   The Podiatrist will discuss the child's symptoms, activity and address parent questions/concerns regarding the child's condition. The Podiatrist will then examine, palpate and perform specific maneuvers on the foot, ankle, leg and hip to determine the abnormality and or other related conditions. He or she will probably perform gait analysis to observe the child's feet and legs throughout the walking cycle. Standing x-rays may be taken to evaluate the bone structure, mechanics and deformity as it appears with weight on the foot.


Treatment;
                  Early diagnosis and treatment is important for the most effective result in treating a child's condition. Depending on the problem, treatment may include; custom functional foot orthoses, splinting, bracing, special shoes or gait plates. In some instances, the condition may require physical therapy. In all cases, a step-wise approach is taken as it relates to the problem under consideration, the severity of the condition and the child's age.

 

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