Orthopedist explains when flat feet actually require treatment

When flat feet actually become a problem

Flat feet does not always require treatment, but in some cases it can lead to pain, gait disturbances, and joint problems. Mikhail Ignatov, a traumatologist-orthopedist at the ORTEKA professional pharmacy network, told Gazeta.Ru about this. According to him, with flat feet the arch of the foot lowers, and the sole partially or fully touches the surface under load. The condition can be congenital or develop in adulthood — among the causes he cited excess weight, injuries to tendons and ligaments, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as changes associated with pregnancy or diabetes.

Why a lowered arch is dangerous

With a significantly lowered arch, the doctor explained, the load on the structures of the foot increases, in particular on the posterior tibial tendon that supports the arch. Its stretching or damage can be accompanied by pain and swelling, and improper load distribution can provoke changes in the joints. A practical guideline Ignatov offers: see a specialist if there is pain in the inner part of the foot or ankle, especially after walking, if the position of the feet changes during movement, and if shoes wear unevenly. Even with mild discomfort, in his view, it is important to establish the cause of the changes and choose a strategy of monitoring or treatment.

How treatment is chosen

The approach depends on the patient's age, foot structure, the severity of the deformity, and the presence of pain syndrome. The doctor may recommend custom orthopedic insoles, therapeutic exercise, and physiotherapy; with inflammation and accompanying arthritis, injection methods are considered in some cases. Surgery is required mainly for pronounced deformities and when conservative therapy is ineffective. The article is based on a comment from a single specialist; the outlet did not conduct independent verification. Earlier, as Gazeta.Ru notes, the doctor had already explained what persistent foot pain may indicate.