Everyone is born with flat feet but in some people, the foot arch that typically develops during childhood never occurs. Other people develop the condition known as pes planus later in life. Feet become flat when the tendons that hold the joints in feet together are loose, injured or placed under continual strain. For most people, the condition does not cause pain or interfere with normal life. If this common condition is causing you or a family member pain or discomfort, however, these tips from the experts at Premier Foot & Ankle can help you find solutions that can relieve your flat foot pain. Common Causes Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), which results in painful pes planus, is a common clinical problem that requires careful orthotic management. The purpose of this study was to conduct a chart review and telephone survey to determine the effectiveness of orthotic treatment. In this preliminary study the authors define effective orthotic treatment as treatment that reduces pain and assists the patient in returning to pre-PTTD activity levels. When comparing orthotic management among foot orthoses fabricated from cork and pelite, UCB-type foot orthoses, and various types of AFOs, strong trends were noted. People who suffer from diabetes usually have a loss of sensation in the feet as they usually suffer from poor circulation. It is very common for feet injuries to be unnoticed. The formation of sores as a result of pressure and friction needs to be avoided. Since orthotics is usually made to conform to the foot, its usage prevents sores and other damages. Allan is the founder Foot-Care.org You can read up on many helpful information on flatfeet, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis that on this website. They even have a foot health forum which you can use for free to ask podiatrists on foot related questions. Metatarsus Adductus, or turning of the metatarsals (mid part of foot behind the toes) toward the inside of the foot, may be encountered especially with the first metatarsal or the metatarsal of the great toe (Metatarsus Primus Varus). Since this condition can be aggravated in the foot, a painful prominence to the inside of the 1st metatarsal (inside of great toe bone) may present as a bunion deformity. Mild or early cases can again be treated with orthotics, but more severe cases may require surgical correction. My recommendation is to progress to surgery if the foot is painful and limiting ability to stay active and/or function in normal life. While working the small muscles that hold the arch in place, balance strength with flexibility. A good way to finish your exercise is to stretch the foot by either reaching down with your hand and grabbing your toe, pulling your toes back and up while relaxing your foot or with a can-rolling exercise, which can be both a stretching exercise and a reward for sore feet. Begin by sitting in your favorite chair, but instead of a towel, with a small can about the size of a one- or two-serving soup can in front of you. Cautions for Arch Problems. If you have flat feet , this means that your arch has collapsed or never developed. This can be an inherited condition, meaning you may be born this way or you may develop this condition when you get older. All babies are, in fact, born with flat feet because their arch hasn't yet developed. Sometimes it never develops. Flat feet can also develop due to an injury, wear and tear due to age or a medical condition (such as rheumatoid arthritis, cerebral palsy). In term of epidemiology, hallus valgus is predominantly affecting adult more than children and female is the main target rather than male. The prevalence increases with age. When the arch ligament stretches ortears, the arch falls. If it falls far enough, the tarsals maybegin to shift to the inside or create pronation or a valgus(greater than 90 degree erect) position at the ankle. This cancause problems in the origin area, (the metatarsals) or in theheel. It also may cause pressure on the medial (inner) knee andperhaps the hip and back. It is like pulling the string on amarionette too tight, the result is a kinked mass on one side.The human body is much the same, put too much tension on majormuscle groups and the joints kink and yell back. If your child has flat feet , there may be no need for worry – it could be normal for their age. Many parents become concerned when they notice that their child has flat feet Depending on the age of your child, it may be nothing to worry about or it may indicate fallen arches, which Podiatrists call pes planus Remember, wear arch supports if you are standing, exercising, shopping, working, and always at home. A number of products are available in stores near you. Start today, and you'll be amazed at how much better you will feel.