There are so many myths related to flat foot deformity (Pes Planus). You probably may have heard many things regarding flat feet that may sound weird or untrue. Let’s see some of the common myths surrounding flat foot deformity.
Flat Feet Occur Because of Wrong Footwear Choice
Flat foot is genetic. They develop when the arch of the foot fails to develop. This is not the case always. Sometimes they occur due to injury to the tendon and wear and tear of tendon related to ageing. They are definitely not caused by footwear choice.
You Cannot Play Sports with Flat Foot Deformity
Many believe that playing sports with flat foot can aggravate the deformity. Compared to high arched foot, flat foot people have better balance and provide stability when doing combat sports or lifting weights. There are so many popular football players, basketball players, hockey players, who have flat foot and still play varies kinds of sports.
Flat Feet Are Bad and I Will Never Walk Normally
About 30% of the entire population lives with flat feet. According to the 2012 National Foot Health Assessment, 8 percent of U.S. adults ages 21 and older (about 18 million people) have the condition. There are many people who live their entire lives without having any problem as they have flexible flat foot deformity. For those who have rigid flat foot deformity, slight discomfort and pain are noted, but these can be resolved with taking appropriate steps.
Orthotics Always Works for Flat Foot
While orthotics is advisable for flat foot deformity, it is not the case for everyone. Orthotics are effective for people with flexible flat foot. For people with rigid flat foot, they do not correct the foot position, but they may be able to improve the symptoms. However, if you think orthotics is the ultimate treatment for flat foot, then you are totally mistaken.
Flat Foot Exercises Can Build an Arch
Exercises for flat foot can help you with pain and discomfort, but they do not resolve flat foot deformity. There is no evidence or indications these are successful, especially for rigid flat foot.
Surgery Is a Bad Idea and It Doesn’t Work
Flat foot surgeries can be successful and are a permanent long-term option. Surgery is only necessary if you’re symptomatic and when you have failed all other conservative measures. It takes up to a year for full recovery. Studies show that minimal invasive procedures such as titanium stent placement, has a success rate of 94%, which is really impressive.
Takeaway
If you are bothered by symptoms of flat foot deformity, consultation with a podiatrist or an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible is very important, because the outcome is always better when treated at early stages. So, visit a specialist and get your condition evaluated immediately.
Information is available everywhere, nowadays, however, making sure the information is accurate and from a reliable source is important.
Click here to learn more about other foot disease conditions.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics provides the most effective, modern, and innovative techniques in both Orthopedic Surgery and Pain Management using proven methodologies in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of all conditions affecting the spine, upper extremities, and lower extremities. We specialize in hand and wrist surgery, joint replacements, sports medicine, trauma care, pediatric orthopedics, pain management, wound care, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, imaging services, and EMG testing.