flatfeet

A person with flat feet has a greater load placed on the posterior tibial tendon which is the main tendon supporting the arch of the foot. Throughout life aging leads to decreased strength of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
A doctor in order to get the most accurate diagnosis is by observation of the foot and ankle. Observing the foot in walking is most reliable. The affected foot appears more pronated and deformed compared to the unaffected foot.
In raising up on tip toes of the affected foot the patient would be unable to lift the heel off the floor if the posterior tibial tendon has been ruptured. In less severe cases, the patient will be able to rise on the toes, but the heel will not be noted to invert as it normally does.
The adult flatfoot is best treated early. There is no recommended home treatment other then avoiding wearing non-supportive footwear until the patient can be seen in the office of a podiatrist. You can visit our website at www.vailfoot.com and there are supports that can be worn if you cannot be seen by a doctor very soon.
The inflammation and tendon injury will respond to rest, protected ambulation in a cast, as well as anti-inflammatory therapy. Custom-molded orthotics and properly designed athletic footwear are critical to maintain stability of the foot and ankle after initial symptoms have been calmed.
In cases where a soft cast immobilization, orthoses and shoe therapy have failed, surgery is the next alternative. The goal of surgery and non-surgical treatment is to eliminate pain, stop progression of the deformity and improve mobility of the patient.