Flat Feet: Causes and Treatments

Flat feet, sometimes referred to as “fallen arches,” is a condition where the natural upward curve of the foot’s arch has been flattened. If your entire foot is in contact with the floor, you are suffering from flat feet. This condition affects about 30 percent of the population, and can usually be corrected for fallen arch relief in Napa County, CA. Uncorrected flat feet can lead to pain, stress and imbalances in other parts of the body.

Causes of flat feet

The foot has several tendons that attach the heel and the bones of your feet. When these tendons don’t pull the foot properly, your arch “falls” and your foot flattens. This can be caused by a number of different conditions, including obesity, physical injury, arthritis or genetic conditions like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy.

To determine whether you have flat feet, look at your feet when standing up. If there is no curve to your foot and the entire underside is in contact with the floor, you probably have flat feet.

Exercises for flat feet

The vast majority of people with fallen arches are suffering from muscle problems—which is a good thing, because that can be corrected with simple exercises for flat feet in Napa County, CA:

• Heel stretches: Stand with your hands on the wall or a railing. With one leg forward and the other extended behind you, slowly lean forward and put your weight on your front leg, keeping your back foot flat on the floor. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
• Tennis ball rolls: While sitting in a chair, sit up straight and roll a tennis ball under one foot, focusing on the arch. (It feels great, too.) Do this for two to three minutes, then repeat on the opposite foot.
• Arch lifts: Standing with your legs straight under your hips, roll your weight to the outer edges of your feet and lift your arches up. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
• Calf raises: While standing on a step or block, lift your heels as far as you can, then let them sink down below the step or block. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
• Toe raises: While standing up, press your big toes into the floor and lift the other four toes of each foot as high as you can. Hold the stretch for five seconds and repeat 10 to 15 times.

As always, consult a medical professional before starting any exercise regimen, especially if you suspect your fallen arches may be caused by a medical condition.

Get fallen arch relief in Napa County, CA

When you need help correcting your flat feet with exercises in Napa County, CA, contact Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy. We are dedicated to getting you back on your feet and moving around like never before. Our services include treatment for sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, aging issues, women’s and men’s health, cancer symptoms and more. We are here to help patients of all ages, from babies to seniors, and offer in-home services for the homebound. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Feet

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