Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a condition that occurs when the arch in the foot collapses. The collapse of the arch causes the entire sole of the foot to come into complete contact, or almost in complete contact, with the floor. As a result, people with flat feet are unable to tread normally and are forced to alter their steps.

What causes flat feet?
- Genetics – In most cases, (approximately 20-30% of the population) flat feet is genetic and both feet are affected. Those born with naturally flat feet usually have a malformed joint, or two or more bones may have merged together that caused the feet to become stiff and flat.
- Injury that causes stiffness and distorts the foot joints such as a ruptured tendon
- Arthritis
- Illness – Diseases that affect the nervous system or muscles (I.E. spian bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) can cause flat feet because muscles become week and stiff, and can no longer function effectively together.
- Natural aging process
- Pregnancy – Sometimes pregnant women develop flat feet from the temporary changes caused by an increase in elastin in their body.

Usually, flat feet is a permanent condition.

What symptoms can occur from having flat feet? People with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing foot problems because they suffer from over-pronation. Over-pronation is when the feet roll excessively inward due to the stress overload placed on the ligaments and tendons of the ankle. This weakens the ankle and inside portion of the foot causing it to turn inward. Over-pronation can lead to painful symptoms including –

Bunions – A deformity of the big toe that occurs when the joint becomes misaligned and protrude outward.

Calluses – When the big toe loses flexibility, calluses usually occur under the sole of the foot near the second toe where stress is being placed.

Hammer toes – When the angle of the big toe increases inward, it begins to slide under the second toe. As a result, the metatarsal bone rises up and causes a hammer toe to form.

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs – The Achilles tendon becomes shorter and pulls up on the heel of a person with flat feet, causing the arch to flatten and the foot to become longer. Thus, the plantar fascia (tight band of muscle under the foot arch) becomes abnormally stretched, which can lead to pain in the heel bone (plantar fasciitis) and heel spurs.

Low back pain – This usually occurs due to strain on the sciatic nerve. This nerve links the lower back to the foot via the leg. The strain is typically caused by repeated shock from running and over-pronation.

Finding relief from symptoms – There are different methods for treating flat feet, such as -

- Stretching exercises – Engage in exercises (2 – 3 times daily) that focus on the arch of your foot and Achilles’ tendons (IE. rolling your foot back and forth over a rolling pin or foot gymnastics). This will help increase flexibility and reduce the stress and pain felt by these areas.

- Lose weight – If you are overweight, losing weight helps to provide relief for your feet.

- Wear supportive shoes – Keep an eye on the stability of your footwear. Don’t wear shoes that are worn, tight, or tilt inwards. These shoes only increase your risk of injury and pain. Also, use orthotic insoles for your shoes to provide your foot with better support.

- See a professional – If you suffer from chronic discomfort or pain, seek the attention of a foot specialist such as a podiatrist or orthopedist. They can help provide you with proper shoes and orthotics that are custom made for your foot. They can also recommend exercises and even surgery if it is in the patient’s best interest.

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Heel pain is by far the most common foot complaint that affects millions of people around the world. Plantar Fasciitis is the ailment that is often associated with the symptoms of Heel Pain and Heel Spurs.

This article enumerates the features:

• What is Plantar Fasciitis?
• How does Plantar Fasciitis result in heel pain and heel spurs
• What is the treatment to relieve the discomfort of heel pain

Heel Pain Symptoms

Heel Pain, Heel Spurs, and Plantar Fasciitis are foot ailments that cause discomfort in the center of the heel when weight is placed on the foot, especially when one gets up in the morning. The pain slowly disappears after walking around for a short time. The pain can vary in severity from case to case or from time to time.

What Causes Heel Pain and Heel Spurs?

The most common cause of both heel pain and heel spurs is “Plantar Fasciitis” That is the Latin term designating the inflammation of the Plantar Fascia.

Plantar Fascia is that flat band of fibrous ligaments located under the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. This dense strip of tissues acts like a bow string that spans the arch of the foot to give it support.

How does Plantar Fasciitis Develop?

The Plantar Fascia generally takes the full load of the body when the foot is placed on the ground. This transmits great force and stretches the Plantar Fascia to even out and flatten the arch of the foot to distribute the weight of the body. The bow and string analogy appropriately describes the arching of the foot by the Plantar Fascia.

Normally the Plantar Fascia is very tough and flexible to withstand forces transmitted during walking or running. The normal function can be however affected by excessive abuse of the feet, over-pronation, old age or being over-weight. As a result of the painful stretching the Plantar Fascia exhibits micro-tearing that leads to irritation, inflammation and pain at the junction of the Plantar Fascia and calcaneus or heel bone. The continued pulling of the Fascia joined to the heel bone can result in a bony growth on the heel commonly known as a Heel Spur. This growth triggers pain in the surrounding tissues that get inflamed.

During the rest periods when you sleep or sit for a long time the Plantar Fascia contracts and becomes tight. Initial movement or sudden getting up results in rapid application of body weight to the foot whereby the Fascia must quickly lengthen. This causes micro-tearing in the ligaments and stabbing pain for the first few minutes as you take steps.

How over-stretching of the Plantar Fascia normally occurs:

• Suffering from over-pronation (flattening of the arch)
• Long duration standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Overweight, obesity, or pregnancy
• Achilles tendons and tight calf muscles

Treatment for Heel Pain

A majority of patients can find relief through a conservative or non-surgical treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. Common remedies in this case are:

• Ice Packs – This should be applied to the inflamed area
• Night Splint – The mild stretching caused by night splints help in tensioning the calf muscles and Plantar Fascia
• Shock wave therapy – Shock wave pulses applied through a special machine helps in relieving the soreness
• Anti-inflammatory drugs – Ibuprofen drugs help in the relief of heel pain
• Cortisone injections – The steroid treatment is locally administered in the heel area

The foregoing “short-term” remedial measures assist in relieving heel pain. As Plantar Fascia excessively stretches due to over-pronation (fallen arches) and tightening of the calf muscle and ligaments it is advisable to undergo long term treatment that has recently been found to be quite effective.

The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) conducted a two year national study on treatments of heel pain. This study clearly demonstrated that the best course of cost-effective treatment is a strict regime of using “off the shelf” orthotics (arch supports) and a specific stretching program. The treatment resulted in 90 percent of patients experiencing substantial relief from heel pain symptoms.

These orthotic insoles help in correcting abnormal foot mechanics and over-pronation through providing support to the Plantar Fascia and releasing the undue strain. Thus it treats the root cause of Plantar Fasciitis. Orthotics are further helpful if combined with a daily regime of stretching and strengthening of the Plantar Fascia, the Achilles tendons, and the calf muscles. Such exercises need not take no more than 5 to 10 minutes per day.

Surgery

Surgery is the very last resort for the treatment of heel pain and should only be considered when all other conservative treatment has failed. In the surgical intervention the Plantar Fascia is partially released from the bone and any spur removed if found to be present. The pressure on the small nerves that traverse under the Plantar Fascia is released after proper identification of the cause.

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Product Description
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Plantar Fasciitis is a common problem seen with heel pain, especially first step in the morning. The pain increases over time and limits the ability to even do normal activities. Topaz Radiocoblation is a new revolutionary treatment that helps not just improve symptoms of plantar fasciitis, but often solves the problem. Dr Gibson, a podiatrist in American Fork, Utah, discusses this new treatment.

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www.info-on-heel-pain.com. Plantar fasciitis affects almost two million Americans each year. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation and tearing of a long ligament in the bottom of the foot. Pain is commonly felt at the first step in the morning and can be so severe that grabbing on to a wall is necessary when first getting out of bed. Pain can be sharp, dull, aching or throbbing and occur at the inside of the heel or extend into the arch. Plantar fasciitis develops as a result of excess …

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