Children can have different types of flat feet, commonly referred to as pediatric flatfoot. Most babies are born with what appears to be flat feet due to the presence of fat pads. This condition, which is known as flexible flatfoot, is typically painless, and the arch becomes visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoe. As your child grows, foot muscles develop, and the arch often forms naturally. A second type, flexible flatfoot with a short Achilles tendon, is less common and can cause discomfort or difficulty with movement. The third type, rigid flatfoot, results from an issue with the bones in the foot and is the least common, often leading to pain and difficulty walking. A chiropodist can assess your child's flat feet through a physical examination and may recommend stretching exercises, orthotics, or other treatment if discomfort is present. If your child's flat feet are causing pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for an evaluation.
Flat feet are a common foot condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to flat feet, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are feet that do not have a well-defined arch in the middle of the sole of the foot. Flat feet may be flexible or rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch when there is no pressure put on the foot, such as when one is sitting, but the arch disappears upon standing. Rigid flat feet lack an arch regardless of whether one is standing or not.
Causes
Flat feet can be present from birth or acquired over time due to a weakening of the ligaments in the arch. Sometimes flat feet are caused by illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy.
Symptoms
Flat feet often cause no noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience pain and discomfort due to their flat feet.
Symptoms associated with flat feet include:
Pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the outside of the foot
Overpronation of the foot
Shin splints
Aching or fatigue in the feet or legs
Pain in the knees, hips, or lower back
Treatment
In cases where flat feet cause symptoms, there are various treatments available. Wearing orthotic inserts in your shoes to provide more arch support, performing stretches, and taking medications may improve your symptoms. If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve pressure on the feet. In severe cases, surgery may be considered.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Haglund’s deformity, commonly known as pump bump, is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that causes irritation to the surrounding soft tissues. Pump bump often results in pain, swelling, and redness caused by pressure placed on the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the Achilles tendon. The primary cause of pump bump is repetitive friction from wearing stiff-backed footwear, such as high heels or ice skates. People with high arches or tight calf muscles may be more prone to developing this condition, as these factors alter foot mechanics and increase pressure on the heel. Walking patterns that place more weight on the outer edge of the foot can also contribute to its development. A chiropodist can assess the severity of the deformity and recommend treatment, including stretching exercises, footwear modification, or orthotic supports to relieve pressure on the affected area. If you notice a painful bump on the back of your heel, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for advice.
Heel pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of injuries, medical conditions, and other factors. If you suffer from heel pain, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
When it comes to heel pain, the exact location and type of pain are important to note. Some of the conditions that may cause heel pain include:
Plantar fasciitis - An inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot; it causes a stabbing pain under the heel that is at its worst when taking your first few steps after a long rest and while standing on your tiptoes or climbing stairs
Achilles tendonitis - An inflammation of the tendon in the back of the calf; it causes pain in the back of the heel that is at its worst after resting, as well as ankle and calf stiffness, swelling, and tenderness
Bone spurs - Bony lumps on the back of the heel bones that cause sharp pain upon first standing up; the pain becomes dull and achy over time
Heel fractures - A break or crack in the heel bone that causes pain, swelling, and difficulty walking
Retrocalcaneal bursitis - Swelling of the small, fluid-filled sac at the back of the heel bone; it causes pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the back of the heel
Tarsal tunnel syndrome - Compression of the posterior tibial nerve which causes a pins and needles sensation in the heel, foot, and calf
Your chiropodist will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and prescribe the right treatments for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Your feet are covered most of the day. If you're diabetic, periodic screening is important for good health. Numbness is often a sign of diabetic foot and can mask a sore or wound.
Pronation refers to the natural inward rolling of the foot during walking or running, allowing the foot to absorb shock effectively. However, excessive pronation, often known as overpronation, can negatively affect foot alignment and overall lower limb function, especially for runners. When the arch collapses more than normal, it causes the ankles to roll inward excessively, which then influences knee and hip alignment. This improper alignment can lead to increased strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments, potentially resulting in conditions like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or stress fractures. Overpronation also disrupts efficient movement, causing discomfort and reducing performance when running. A chiropodist can perform a comprehensive assessment of your foot mechanics, such as gait analysis, to accurately determine your pronation type and the extent of the issue. They can recommend custom orthotics or supportive footwear and provide targeted exercises to strengthen foot and ankle stability. If you need help dealing with pronation issues, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a chiropodist.
The biomechanics of your feet play an important role in your foot health. To learn more, please consult with Emily Yu, B.Sc from Uptown Foot Care Clinic. Our specialist can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Foot biomechanics refers to the study of the structure, function, and motion of the feet. The feet and ankles are a complex system consisting of many bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons that work together to move your feet. Understanding the unique biomechanics of your own feet can help you and your chiropodist make informed decisions about your foot health care. This includes decisions about the best preventive measures to avoid foot pain, the best treatment options for various foot problems, and finding the best shoes for your feet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
