Flat Feet and Arch Pain Overview

Flat foot is where there is no visible arch seen in the foot when you stand. Therefore, when standing, the whole foot (ball, arch and heel) will be in complete or near-complete contact with the ground. This is also referred to as a dropped or fallen arch. Having an arch is important for pressure distribution.

Having flat feet is not consider a major problem if you are not in pain.  However, if your flat foot is causing you pain then it is time to seek some treatment and advice.

Flat Foot Symptoms

Patients with flat feet may experience arch pain, shin splints, knee pain, hip pain, and lower back pain.

Flat Feet Treatments

Due to the feet being a complex part of your body, they can not be, and should not be, looked at in isolation. Your feet are placed at the bottom of the skeleton tree. Therefore, any problems within the the lower back, thigh muscles, knee joints, and lower limbs will contribute to your foot pain. Due to this, a condition cannot be solved simply by consultation, and a thorough hands-on assessment is required.

By carrying out a Biomechanical Gait Analysis Assessment, the Podiatrist will consider your foot condition, but also take into account symptoms being experienced further up the skeleton. The assessment will provide an accurate diagnosis, allowing the Podiatrist to prepare a suitable treatment plan, which may include recommended stretches, custom made orthotics, and footwear advice.

However, for many patients, the above condition can leave them crippled and unable to carry out daily activities. It is not always best to rely on pain medications, due to their side effects. Furthermore, long-term pain relieving medication only helps to deal with the symptoms, and not the underlying cause of the pain / condition. MLS Class IV Laser Therapy reduces pain because it addresses the cause of that pain, whether this is by healing, repair or regeneration. Pain relief can often be felt after the first session. Laser therapy is completely safe, as well as non-invasive and painless.