Could Chiropractic Care Treat Flat Foot?
Prevalence Of Flat Foot
Flat foot (also known as pes planus or fallen arch) are the condition that the arch of the foot is lower than normal or absent. The prevalence of fallen arch is inconclusive among different researchers, but it has the similar trend.
The younger children (two to six years old) have the higher prevalence (21 to 57%) and the prevalence (13.4 to 27.6%) declines significantly in primary pupils. The prevalence rate (5 to 14%) in adults drops almost 50%. Infants and children with flat feet are normal due to the foot arches have not developed.
Types Of Flat Foot
Flexible and rigid flat foot are the two general types. Flexible flat foot has a normal arch in non-weight bearing, but it absents when standing or walking. In contrast, rigid flat foot, which is a “true” flat foot has non existed arch no matter in weight bearing or at rest. Commonly, both sides of feet are affected and flat, but single pes planus is acquired and caused by various conditions such as injuries and obesity.
Risk Factors And Causes Of Flat Foot
- Genetics
- Pregnancy
- Ankle and knee injuries
- Obesity or diabetes
- Aging
- Arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Posterior tibial tendon injury or dysfunction
- Neurological or muscular diseases
Fallen arch is a hereditary condition or acquired overtime. People with obesity or diabetes are more prone to have flat feet. During pregnancy, flat foot is also common due to the significant body weight increase.
Aging that weaken posterior tibial tendon also contributes to flat foot. Sports injuries lead to flat foot as a consequence of damaging posterior tibial tendon which is a vital structure to support the foot arch.
Symptoms
Long term pain that occurs in the heel and medial arch is the most common symptoms. As a result of collapsed medial longitudinal arch, flat foot always associates with hyperpronation and internal rotation of the leg which put abnormal stress to different parts of the body. Hyperpronation lead to shin splints as a result of flat feet repetitively rolling inwards.
- Heel
- Arch
- Leg
- Calf
- Knee
- Hip
- Lower back pain
Flat foot is one of the risk factors that may develop plantar fasciitis. On a daily basis, abnormal foot mechanics including flat foot can cause repetitive tearing and stretching on plantar fascia that connect the heel and toes.
Chiropractic Treatment – Chiropractor Near Me
Pathological flat feet are not common, which only accounts for less than 1%. Asymptomatic pes planus does not require any medical interventions. However, if the symptoms such as foot pain especially at the heel present, treatment is necessary.
Orthotic Devices – Chiropractor Near Me
The chiropractor can prescribe orthotic devices to provide proper arch support for those who have flat feet. There are two types of orthotic devices – custom orthotics and heat moulding orthotics.According to the patient’s age, body weight, leg length, foot shape, usage of orthotics and associated complications, different density of orthotics and accessories including the heel lift and dome may be used. Supportive orthotics can reduce the long term stretching and tearing of plantar fascia that lower the chance of heel pain, but they do not fix fallen arches.
Shockwave Therapy – Chiropractor Near Me
Shockwave therapy is a non invasive and completely safe treatment option for chronic plantar fasciitis patients. Shockwave therapy promotes tissue regeneration and reparation and reduce pain. New blood vessel formation and collagen synthesis help to repair damage tissues such as tendons, ligaments and inflamed plantar fascia.
Chiropractic Adjustment – Chiropractor Near Me
Flat feet cause biomechanical changes of the body which contribute ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain. Chiropractic adjustment can effectively reduce joint restriction and joint pain. However, orthotic devices are needed to provide a sturdy arch support for long term pain relief and prevention of health issues including plantar fasciitis.
Chiropractic Service Suburbs
Kings Park NSW 2148
Kings Langley NSW 2147
Quakers Hill NSW 2763
Stanhope Gardens NSW 2768
Rooty Hill NSW 2766
Seven Hills NSW 2147
Marsden Park NSW 2765
Schofields NSW 2762
The Ponds NSW 2769
Rouse Hill NSW 2155