Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. If you have flatfoot, or suspect you may suffer from flatfoot, you can get treatment for your flatfoot disorder in Calgary’s North Hill Foot & Ankle Clinic. Make an appointment with us today! There are several types of flatfoot, all of which have one characteristic in common—partial or total collapse (loss) of the arch. Other characteristics shared by most types of flatfoot include:
Health problems such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes sometimes increase the risk of developing flatfoot. In addition, adults who are overweight frequently have flatfoot.
Flexible Flatfoot
Flexible flatfoot is one of the most common types of flatfoot. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. It usually occurs in both feet and generally progresses in severity throughout the adult years. As the deformity worsens, the soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) of the arch may stretch or tear, and can become inflamed.
The term “flexible” means that while the foot is flat when standing (weight-bearing), the arch returns when not standing. In the early stages, flexible flatfoot arthritis is not restricting motion of the arch and foot, but in the later stages arthritis may develop to such a point that the arch and foot become stiff.
Symptoms, which may occur in some persons with flexible flatfoot, include:
Courtesy of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.