Treatment of flat feet in Dnipro

Normally, the arch of the foot has an arched shape that provides depreciation and support when walking. Flat feet is a condition in which the arch of the foot loses its arched shape, becoming flat or flattened, which can lead to various problems and discomfort.

Flatfoot disease can be congenital or acquired. It is important to practice prevention and regularly monitor the condition of the feet of children and adults to prevent the development of flat feet and maintain healthy feet. However, if you are already looking for an answer to which doctor to see for flat feet, then you need to consult an orthopedic doctor to diagnose the deformity and choose the optimal treatment.

The symptoms and signs of flat feet

Symptoms and signs of flat feet may include:

pain and fatigue in the feet, especially after prolonged standing or walking,
a feeling of heaviness and tension in the legs,
swelling of the feet or legs,
foot deformity, such as widening of the forefoot or protruding bunions,
a flatness of the arch of the foot,
pain in the legs, knees, hips, or back due to improper load when walking,
frequent dislocations or sprains in the ankle joint,
skewed legs or incorrect position of the feet when walking,
decrease in the height of the arch of the foot upon examination.

It is important not to ignore the symptoms of flat feet, as this can lead to worsening of the condition of the feet and the development of further complications. Correction of flat feet in the early stages is easier and faster.

The causes of flat feet

Congenital flat feet are usually associated with genetic factors:

heredity to the development of flat feet,
insufficient development of the muscles and ligaments of the foot, which leads to loss of arch support.

Acquired flat feet can develop due to various reasons, including:

injuries or fractures of the foot or ankle,
excess weight, which creates additional stress on the foot,
wearing uncomfortable or inappropriate shoes, especially in childhood,
standing or walking for long periods on a hard surface, such as when working on your feet or playing sports on hard ground,
diseases or conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, leg paralysis, or bone deformities.

Treatment for flat feet is selected by the doctor individually, taking into account the factors that caused the disease.

The types of flat feet

Orthopedics distinguishes several types of flat feet:

Flexible flatfoot is the most common type of flatfoot, where the arch of the foot drops with weight bearing but can return to its normal position at rest or when raised on the toe.
Inflexible (stiff) flatfoot is a more severe type of flatfoot in which the arch of the foot remains dropped regardless of whether the foot is under weight or not.
Static flatfoot is associated with changes in the structure of the foot and can lead to pain and deformity.

Medicine also distinguishes:

Transverse flatfoot is a drooping of the transverse arch of the foot, which leads to a decrease in the height of the arch and flattening of the foot.
Longitudinal flatfoot is drooping of the longitudinal arch of the foot.
Combined flatfoot combines signs of both transverse and longitudinal flatfoot.

Treatment of flat feet of each type has its peculiarities, which the doctor will tell you about after diagnosis.

The stages of flat feet

According to the severity and impact on the functionality of the foot, there are three main stages of flat feet:

Stage 1 (initial): the arch of the foot begins to drop, but there are no or virtually no symptoms, for example, there may be a little pain after physical activity.
Stage 2 (moderate): The arch of the foot is more depressed, pain increases when walking or standing, and swelling and fatigue may appear in the legs.
Stage 3 (severe): The arch of the foot is significantly lowered, deformed and affects the overall gait. The pain can be intense and appear even at rest. Various complications are possible, such as arthritis, bursitis, and deformities of other joints.

Without treatment, flat feet can lead to worsening symptoms and complications. Therefore, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor at the first signs of illness.

The methods for diagnosing flat feet at N1 Clinic in Dnipro

For flat feet, the doctor conducts a visual examination of the foot, evaluates the shape and position of the arch of the foot, and performs functional tests. Next, the doctor looks at an x-ray of the foot to determine the degree of deformation of the foot, the angles between the bones, and other anomalies. The doctor may also prescribe additional tests:

CT scan for a more detailed study of the structure of the foot and assessment of its condition.
MRI to evaluate soft tissues, ligaments, joints, and other structures of the foot.
Pedobarography to assess the uneven distribution of load on the foot with flat feet.
Electromyography to assess the functional state of the foot with flat feet.

After the diagnosis, the doctor will be able to determine the severity of flat feet and develop an individual treatment plan for each patient.

The treatment methods for flat feet

The orthopedic doctor begins the correction of flat feet with conservative treatment:

exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot and lower leg and improve joint mobility,
special orthopedic insoles to improve arch support and reduce stress on the joints,
special shoes or orthoses with arch support to relieve discomfort and reduce symptoms,
massage to strengthen the foot muscles, improve blood circulation, and maintain the correct position of the foot,
anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers for severe pain.

If your flat feet are too severe or conservative methods do not help, surgery, such as arch reconstruction or deformity correction, may be required. If surgical treatment of flat feet is prescribed, the price depends on the complexity of the case and the type of operation required.

The prevention of flat feet

Several recommendations for the prevention of flat feet:

perform special exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot,
avoid wearing shoes with flat soles or heels for long periods,
choose shoes with good arch support and shock absorption, especially when playing sports,
maintain a healthy weight.

Don’t forget to contact an orthopedic doctor for preventive examinations and advice on the condition of the arch of the foot to reduce the risk of developing flat feet and maintain foot health.

The advantages of treatment for flat feet at N1 Clinic in Dnipro

Our clinic provides all the necessary services for diagnosing and correcting flat feet. Orthopedic doctors with more than 20 years of experience, as well as rehabilitation specialists, are waiting for you at your consultation.

If you require surgical treatment, we have a modern operating room and a comfortable ward. The cost of the surgery includes the surgery itself, anesthesia without consequences, all necessary medications, full medical care, and a guarantee for the operation if you follow the doctor’s instructions.