Flat Feet and Its Effect on Walking and Gait
- posted: Aug. 29, 2024
A strong and healthy gait affects overall mobility and comfort. However, if you have foot issues such as flat feet, they can impede your gait and cause other issues ranging from pain to inflammation. While flat feet are not life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable, but local podiatrists can help. The Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates team can check your feet and help you as much as possible.
What Are Flat Feet?
If your entire sole touches the ground, you know you have flat feet in Boise, ID. If you have a proper healthy arch, the inside of your foot rises off the ground and provides support. Some people don’t experience pain from reduced arches. However, the condition can result in pain in the foot and ankle, inflammation, motion limitations, cramping, and gait changes.
How Does This Foot Condition Affect Gait?
A healthy arch supports your feet, which bear the weight of your entire body when you stand or move in any way. Being flat-footed can make it harder for you to run or propel yourself faster than people with proper arches. Overall stability and balance may also decrease. After all, a foot that has a healthy arch makes it easier to absorb shock from high-impact activities, such as running or jumping.
It can further affect your gait due to increased pressure and instability on the ankle. That pressure makes running harder, especially as the ankles move inward and the toes point outward. The pain often radiates from your feet and ankles to your legs and back. It can also result in foot deformities, such as hammer toes, bunions, shin splints, and faster foot fatigue. Any of these issues can naturally affect the stability and speed at which you can walk comfortably. The rest of your body has to pick up the slack and stress your arches normally provide when moving.
Can a Doctor Help?
Your Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates doctors provide various treatments. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that conform to your feet. They can provide comfort and support. Physical therapy may also help relieve tension in the foot and improve mobility. If you experience pain from having flat feet, your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Your podiatrist may also perform surgery if symptoms are severe.
Living with flat feet in Boise, ID can put stress on that part of the body. However, a consultation with the doctors at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates may provide the relief you need. Call 208-327-0627 for the Boise, ID office, 208-463-1660 for Nampa/Caldwell, ID, and 208-888-9876 for Meridian, ID.
- posted: Aug. 29, 2024
A strong and healthy gait affects overall mobility and comfort. However, if you have foot issues such as flat feet, they can impede your gait and cause other issues ranging from pain to inflammation. While flat feet are not life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable, but local podiatrists can help. The Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates team can check your feet and help you as much as possible.
What Are Flat Feet?
If your entire sole touches the ground, you know you have flat feet in Boise, ID. If you have a proper healthy arch, the inside of your foot rises off the ground and provides support. Some people don’t experience pain from reduced arches. However, the condition can result in pain in the foot and ankle, inflammation, motion limitations, cramping, and gait changes.
How Does This Foot Condition Affect Gait?
A healthy arch supports your feet, which bear the weight of your entire body when you stand or move in any way. Being flat-footed can make it harder for you to run or propel yourself faster than people with proper arches. Overall stability and balance may also decrease. After all, a foot that has a healthy arch makes it easier to absorb shock from high-impact activities, such as running or jumping.
It can further affect your gait due to increased pressure and instability on the ankle. That pressure makes running harder, especially as the ankles move inward and the toes point outward. The pain often radiates from your feet and ankles to your legs and back. It can also result in foot deformities, such as hammer toes, bunions, shin splints, and faster foot fatigue. Any of these issues can naturally affect the stability and speed at which you can walk comfortably. The rest of your body has to pick up the slack and stress your arches normally provide when moving.
Can a Doctor Help?
Your Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates doctors provide various treatments. Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that conform to your feet. They can provide comfort and support. Physical therapy may also help relieve tension in the foot and improve mobility. If you experience pain from having flat feet, your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs. Your podiatrist may also perform surgery if symptoms are severe.
Living with flat feet in Boise, ID can put stress on that part of the body. However, a consultation with the doctors at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates may provide the relief you need. Call 208-327-0627 for the Boise, ID office, 208-463-1660 for Nampa/Caldwell, ID, and 208-888-9876 for Meridian, ID.