What is flat feet?

Flat feet is an abnormality in the structure of the foot, characterized by a collapsed or absent arch, causing the foot to lie flat against the ground. This condition can be caused by factors such as genetics, muscle or ligament dysfunction, trauma or long-term weight bearing. Treatments include wearing corrective shoes, foot exercises or surgical intervention.

1. Genetic factors: Flat feet may be related to family inheritance. If one or both parents have flat feet, the risk of their children increasing. This condition can usually be found in childhood. As age increases, the arch of the foot may gradually form, but it may also persist.

2. Abnormal muscle or ligament function: Insufficient or abnormal function of the foot muscles or ligaments may cause the arch of the foot to fail to support properly. This is common in people who lack exercise for a long time or have excessive foot load, such as obese people or workers who stand for long periods of time.

3. Trauma: Trauma to the foot, such as fracture or ligament strain, may damage the arch structure and cause flat feet. In this case, it is usually necessary to seek medical attention in time, determine the extent of the injury through imaging examinations, and develop a corresponding treatment plan.

4. Long-term weight bearing: Wearing inappropriate shoes or excessive weight bearing for a long time may lead to uneven pressure distribution on the feet and gradual collapse of the arch. This situation is more common in athletes or people who need to stand for a long time.

Treatment:

1. Wear corrective shoes: Choose shoes with arch support function, which can effectively relieve foot pressure and improve symptoms. There are many corrective shoes available on the market, and it is recommended to purchase them under the guidance of a professional doctor.

2. Perform foot exercises: Specific foot exercises, such as toe grabbing towels and arch lifting, can enhance foot muscle strength and improve arch function. It is recommended to practice every day for 15-20 minutes each time.

3. Surgical intervention: For patients with severe symptoms or ineffective conservative treatment, surgery may be considered. Common surgical methods include arch reconstruction and ligament repair. The specific surgical plan needs to be formulated by a professional doctor based on the patient's condition.

Although flat feet are not fatal, they may affect the quality of life and cause foot pain, difficulty walking and other problems. Early detection and appropriate measures can effectively relieve symptoms and prevent complications. If you suspect that you or your family members have flat feet, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and treatment. Through scientific management and reasonable intervention, flat foot patients can completely resume normal life and enjoy a healthy gait.