Concluding part of our series on "Flat Feet" - more treatment options
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Flat Feet (Part 3)
Treatment (Continued)
Children with an abnormal foot that has not developed properly may require an operation to straighten the foot or to separate bones that have fused. Luckily operations are rarely needed as these are rare causes of flat feet in children. Most children with flat feet have a mobile form of flat feet which generally does not need treatment, or if treatment is needed due to pain or excessive wear of shoes, an insole is often sufficient to rectify the problem.
Flat feet that develop due to a disorder of the nervous system may require specialised insoles, shoes, or braces to support feet or legs. In some of these cases, an operation will be required to straighten the feet. Flat feet due to ruptured tendons or arthritis may need to be treated with painkillers and an insole initially. Again, an operation may be required to straighten the foot in these cases.
Other actions that can help include wearing footwear with lower heels and wide toes, losing weight if appropriate and doing appropriate exercises that strengthen muscles in the feet which can include walking barefoot, exercises called toe curls (flexing the toes) and heel raises (standing on tiptoes).
Heel cord stretching exercises
These stretch and lengthen the Achilles tendon and posterior calf muscles. Your physiotherapist is best for advising on appropriate exercises.
How to do:
Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Put the leg needing stretching about a step behind the other leg. Keeping the back heel on the floor, bend the front knee until you can feel a stretch in the back leg. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times. You should aim to do this exercise 3 to 4 times a day.
Chiropodist
A chiropodist can diagnose, advise on, and treat flat feet. Whelehan’s Pearse St has chiropodist James Pedley in store in our private treatment room every Tuesday and Thursday. Book online, in store or by phoning 04493 34591.
1st Contact Physio
1st Contact Physio with Chartered Physiotherapist, Kevin D’Arcy. MISCP. Located in the private consultation suite, upstairs at Whelehans Pharmacy, 38 Pearse St, Mullingar
1st Contact Physio services include sports injuries, spinal injuries, back pain management, neck, and shoulder pain, post operative physiotherapy, sports rehabilitation, orthotics (including for flat feet), and sports massage. Physiotherapy is €60 for initial session and €50 for follow up sessions, Kevin offers reduced physiotherapy rates for Medical Card holders, children, and sports clubs. Book your appointment on the Whelehans website or Call Kevin on 0873813473 or Email physio@whelehans.ie