Having flat feet in Brooklyn, NYC, might seem like an isolated condition, but it’s linked to various health issues. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we comprehensively address these connections. This article discusses conditions that often accompany untreated flat feet and strategies for effective management and prevention.
Understanding Flat Feet and Associated Risks
Flat feet happen when there is a collapse or absence in the arch of your foot. This is a common structural problem that affects a significant portion of the population. It is important to understand that this condition doesn’t just result in fallen arches; it fundamentally alters how you distribute weight across your feet and legs. As a result, that changes your overall biomechanics. Over time, this foot condition has the potential to lead to a cascade of orthopedic issues as your body tries to compensate for the instability and uneven pressure distribution. Here’s how untreated flat feet can lead to more severe complications:
Plantar Fasciitis
When you have flat feet, the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot from your toes to your heel—becomes overstretched because of improper arch support. This overstretching can lead to inflammation and, as a result, plantar fasciitis. This associated condition causes a stabbing pain near your heel. The pain feels worse when you take your first steps after waking up since the fascia tightens overnight. Left untreated, this can lead to chronic heel pain that hampers mobility and impacts your quality of life.
Achilles Tendonitis
Flat feet also place extra strain on your Achilles tendon. This added strain on the band that connects your calf and heel bone can potentially cause the tendon to swell to the point that it becomes irritated and inflamed. When you end up with Achilles tendonitis due to flat feet, you experience pain along the back of your leg or near your heel, and this pain worsens with activity. Over time, continuous strain from untreated flat feet can lead to micro-tears in your tendon, potentially leading to more severe injuries or even a rupture, which would require its own surgery.
Bunions and Hammertoes
The misalignment caused by flat feet doesn’t stop at the arch. It affects your toes, too. The altered foot mechanics cause you to develop bunions. These painful, bony bumps form at the base of the big toe. Similarly, deformities of your toe joints, called hammertoes, cause them to bend abnormally and often develop from uneven pressure distribution. Both conditions can be painful and may require surgical intervention if you don’t manage them early.
Calluses and Corns
With flat feet, you tend to have an abnormal pattern when you walk and stand, which increases pressure on parts of your foot that wouldn’t normally take much stress. This can lead to calluses and corns—thickened layers of skin caused by repeated friction or pressure. While generally not harmful, they can cause discomfort and pain and lead to other issues with your joints and bones.
Preventative Measures and Treatments to Stop Flat Feet Related Conditions
Understanding the potential complications of flat feet helps you recognize the symptoms so you and your podiatrist can treat them quickly. Addressing them proactively can prevent further deterioration:
Custom Orthotics
When you have flat feet, the lack of arch support places additional stress on your lower body. We make custom orthotics with tailor-made insoles to fit the exact structure of your feet, providing the support your arches need. With a more even pressure distribution across your feet, these insoles help prevent the onset of plantar fasciitis, slow the progression of bunions and hammertoes, and improve your comfort when you walk.
Minimally Invasive Flat Foot Surgery
If you find that you experience severe discomfort or significant foot deformities due to flat foot, minimally invasive surgery might be recommended. This type of surgery typically involves smaller incisions, reduced pain, quicker recovery times, and a minimal flat foot surgery scar compared to traditional surgical methods. At Best Foot Dr. NY, we reduce deformities and relieve pain through flat foot correction. This surgical approach restores proper foot mechanics and prevents complications such as severe joint pain and mobility issues. By realigning the foot structure, this approach helps provide long-term relief and improved function.
Routine Check-ups in Brooklyn, NYC
Keeping up with your regular podiatrist appointments with a podiatrist is important for managing flat feet effectively. These check-ups allow us to monitor the progression of your condition and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. When we catch changes early, we can modify your orthotics, recommend new exercises, or adjust other aspects of your treatment to suit your needs better.
Secure Your Mobility by Addressing Flat Feet Today
At Best Foot Dr. NY in Brooklyn, your foot health is our priority. Whether you’re dealing with the initial symptoms of flat feet or the more complex conditions that arise from them, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today and take the first step toward comprehensive care and recovery for flat feet.