Until you experience pain in your feet, you tend to ignore how important they are to mobility. Flat feet may cause a lot of pain and discomfort, besides interfering with your day-to-day life. Unexpected pain in the arches or heels could be your body's way of telling you that you have flat feet. This problem is not simply a nuisance — it can affect your gait and even your posture and alignment. Let’s look deeper into the symptoms of flat feet to understand this condition better.
What are the Symptoms of Flat Feet?
Understanding the flat foot signs helps in recognising and managing this condition early. Let's examine the typical symptoms of flat feet:
- Heel pain: A common initial symptom of flat feet is discomfort in the heel area. Most people feel constant pain that is aggravated by standing or doing things for lengthy periods of time. The pain is most noticeable around the heel.
- Swelling: It is common for the inside of the ankle to swell. This swelling is more apparent after a day of heavy foot activity. The flattened arch puts increased strain on the feet.
- Arch pain: Due to the absence of natural arch support, people with flat feet may feel intense and throbbing pain in the arch. This pain makes it more difficult to walk or stand for long periods of time and gets worse with pressure or movement.
- Pain due to activity: People with flat feet may find even mild exercises intolerable due to their damaged arches. This makes any kind of physical activity painful.
- Overpronation: One apparent indicator of flat feet is overpronation, which occurs when the ankles fold inward when walking or running. The knees, hips, and back may all feel the effects of the more extensive posture problems associated with flat feet.
- Uneven shoe wearing: The overpronation usually caused by flat feet causes shoes to wear out faster on the inside than on the outside. In addition to causing pain, this uneven wear can worsen foot alignment issues.
- Difficulty with footwear: People with flat feet often struggle to find shoes that provide enough comfort and support. Many standard shoes do not provide the necessary arch support.
Conclusion
If you notice any of the flat foot symptoms discussed above, seeing a healthcare professional for an assessment is wise. When it comes to flat feet, finding the appropriate shoes is not always enough. Sometimes, targeted exercises, orthotics, or even physical therapy are necessary for optimal management. You can improve your foot health and mobility by consulting with a specialist who can give you specific strategies. To cover the potential expenses of treating flat feet, it is crucial to acquire a complete health insurance plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.