Flatfeet (Fallen Arches)Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis |
Physician developed and monitored. Original Date of Publication: 17 May 2007
|
|
Original Source: http://www.podiatrychannel.com/flatfeet/symptoms.shtml Important Facts
| |
|
Home » Flatfeet (Fallen Arches) » Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis | 
 |
Signs and Symptoms
The primary symptom of flatfeet is the absence of an arch upon standing. Additional signs of flatfeet include the following:
- Foot pain
- Pain or weakness in the lower legs
- Pain or swelling on the inside of the ankle
- Uneven shoe wear
Complications
While most cases of flatfeet do not cause problems, complications can sometimes occur. Complications include the following:
- Bunions and calluses
- Inability to walk or run normally
- Inflammation and pain in the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis)
- Tendonitis in the Achilles heel and other ligaments
- Pain in the ankles, knees, and hips due to improper alignment
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures in the lower legs
Most children and adults with flatfeet do not need to see a physician for diagnosis or treatment. However, it is a good idea to see a doctor if:
- the feet tire easily or are painful after standing;
- it is difficult to move the foot around or stand on the toes;
- the foot aches, especially in the heel or arch, and there is swelling on the inner side of the foot;
- the pain interferes with activity; or
- the person has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.
Most flatfeet are diagnosed during physical examination. During the exam, the foot may be wetted and the patient asked to stand on a piece of paper. An outline of the entire foot will indicate a flattened arch. Also, when looking at the feet from behind, the ankle and heel may appear to lean inward (pronation). The patient may be asked to walk so the doctor can see how much the arch flattens during walking.
The doctor may also examine the patient's shoes for signs of uneven wear, ask questions about a family history of flatfeet, and inquire about known neurological or muscular diseases.
Imaging tests may be used to help in the diagnosis. If there is pain or the arch does not appear when the foot is flexed, x-rays are taken to determine the cause. If tarsal coalition is suspected, computed tomography (CT scan) may be performed, and if an injury to the tendons is suspected, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) may be performed.
Flatfeet (Fallen Arches), Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis reprinted with permission from podiatrychannel.com
© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Flatfeet (Fallen Arches) (continued...)
|
|
Browser Comments
|
Flatfeet (Fallen Arches) Resources
 | Join Our Flatfeet Forum
Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others. |
|
||
 | Living with...Share your story
Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections. | |||
|
Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. | ||||
 | Stay Updated
Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you. | |||
To quickly access health information from your website's browser,
| ||||
