Flat Feet can be the cause of many problems other than just in the feet.
Flat feet can also develop as an adult due to injury, illness, unusual or prolonged stress to the foot, ill fitting shoesor as part of the normal aging process. They can can also occur in pregnant women as a result of temporary changes during pregnancy. However, if developed by adulthood, flat feet generally remain flat permanently whereas a womans is like to return to normal after her pregnancy term is completed Related problems include:- Hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, arch strain, corns, neuromas, knock knees, fallen arches, pes planus and sagging joints. Due to the failure of the arch they can result in biomechanical effects on other parts of the body, causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. It has been suggested that they can be caused by repeated pounding on hard surfaces suggesting that this can also weaken the foot’s arch. Howeverone has to counter this with the knowledge that running in properly designed and fitting shoes, the impacts that occur in running and walkingactually strengthen the body's skeletal structure helping to prevent osteoporosis. So it is almost a case of "You pays your money and takes your choice". If you feel that you have this symptom then i would strongly advise that you seek medical advice. A podiatrist will soon give a proper examination and prognosis and will want to see a variety of footwear that you use to properly advise you. It may well be that by the simple addition of Custom orthotics your arches can be re-adjusted for the weight-bearing position of your feet resulting in correctingthe other symptoms that you may have suffered. A good retailer of orthotics and a company that will offer lots of good advice is Barkers of Ringwood, Hants, BH24 1DR England. www.barkers-ringwood.co.uk If you have diabetes or a circulation problem it is critical that you talk with your podiatrist first. If you suffer with pain warm water soaks or ice massages can help relieve pain. See the article on
Foot Baths
Due to the failure of the arches they can result in biomechanical effects on other parts of the body, causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.It has been suggested that they can be caused by repeated pounding on hard surfaces suggesting that this can also weaken the foot’s arch. However one has to counter this with the knowledge that running in properly designed and fitting shoes, the impacts that occur in running and walkingactually strengthen the body's skeletal structure helping to prevent osteoporosis. So it is almost a case of "You pays your money and takes your choice". If you feel that you have this flat feet then i would strongly advise that you seek medical advice. A podiatrist will soon give a proper examination and prognosis and will want to see a variety of footwear that you use to properly advise you. It may well be that by the simple addition of Custom orthotics your arches can be re-adjusted for the weight-bearing position of your feet resulting in correctingthe other symptoms that you may have suffered. A good retailer of orthotics and a company that will offer lots of good advice is Barkers of Ringwood, Hants, BH24 1DR England.
www.barkers-ringwood.co.uk
If you have diabetes or a circulation problem it is critical that you talk with your podiatrist first.
Do seek expert medical advice so that you can get out there and enjoy the many benefits that walking offers.
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See the article on Foot Baths
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Acknowledgment to Wikipedia.
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