People don’t talk about flat feet quite enough, even though they can cause some issues when left untreated. So, if you want to know the difference between flat feet and normal feet and how this condition can affect people’s everyday activities, you’re at the right place.
| Feature | Flat Feet | Normal Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Arch | Collapsed or low | Well-defined |
| Footprint | Full footprint when standing | Only heel and ball of foot are visible in footprint |
| Pain | Can cause pain in the feet, ankles, and lower legs | Usually no pain |
| Mobility | May have difficulty with physical activities | No difficulty with mobility |
| Treatment | Orthotic inserts, physical therapy, or surgery may be required | No treatment necessary |
| Overpronation | Common | Rare |
| Supination | Rare | Common |
| Stress on joints | Increased | Normal |
| Posture | Can affect posture and lead to back and knee pain | No effect on posture |
| Shoe wear | Can cause uneven wear on shoes | Normal wear on shoes |
Please note that this table is a summary of the most common features of flat feet and normal feet, but individual cases may vary. Additionally, flat feet can be congenital or acquired, some people are born with flat feet, and others may develop them over time due to factors such as obesity, injury, or other medical conditions.
What Are Flat Feet?
A frequent ailment known as flatfeet causes the inside arches of the feet to collapse under pressure. People who have flat feet have feet that point outward when they stand up, and the entire soles of their feet touch the ground.
What Types of Flat Feet Are There?
Arches that don’t form during early age can cause flatfeet. It can also appear later in life as a result of an injury or the natural wear-and-tear strains of becoming older. There are several forms of flatfoot, all with their symptoms and treatments:
Flexible
Most people have flexible flat feet, and this means that even when a person isn’t standing, you can see the arches (in normal conditions, this isn’t the case). However, when you put weight on the foot, the arch will vanish. This condition of a flexible flat foot usually appears in early childhood and adolescence, and both feet are affected. Steadily, the condition grows worse with aging, which can cause some serious problems – ligaments and tendons could swell, stretch and tear.
Rigid
People with rigid flat feet practically don’t have visible arches while bearing weight, sitting, or walking. As a result, this condition can be pretty discomforting, especially when the foot is being flexed downwards and upwards. Also, it can be a real challenge to swing a foot from side to side. Similar to flexible flat feet, the rigid condition develops around adolescence with the possibility of getting worse as a person ages.
Adult-Acquired
As the name says, this condition is developed in adults, and it’s also known as a fallen arch. This means that people with this kind of flat feet can have rather uncomfortable walking or just putting weight on their feet. It typically occurs when the posterior tibial tendons are irritated or torn.
Vertical Talus
The right opposite of the fallen arch, the vertical talus is a birth condition (congenital handicap). Some infants don’t have developed arches because of the vertical talus – the talus bone of the ankle isn’t positioned correctly. This deformity typically has an appearance of a rocking chair.
What Is the Difference Between Flat Feet and Normal Feet?
A flat foot can be inherited or developed as an adult. The structure that aids in forming the arch of the foot is frequently overused or damaged in adults, leading to flat feet. However, obesity, diabetes, or hypertension can all have an impact on flat feet. People with normal feet don’t feel discomfort like this.
Flat Feet X-Ray vs. Normal – What’s the Difference?
An X-ray of flat feet will typically show a lack of a visible arch or a very low arch, with the entire sole of the foot in contact with the ground. The heel and midfoot may appear to be closer together and the forefoot may be wider than normal. The bones of the foot, including the heel, ankle, and metatarsals, may appear to be in a more pronated position.
On the other hand, a normal foot X-ray will show a well-defined arch, with only the heel and ball of the foot in contact with the ground. The bones of the foot will appear to be in a more supinated position, with the heel and midfoot farther apart and the forefoot narrower.
It’s important to note that X-ray is not the only diagnostic tool for flat feet, clinical examination and other imaging tests can also provide useful information for diagnosis. Additionally, some people with flat feet may not have any symptoms and may not require any treatment.
Can You Treat Flat Feet Surgically?
Rarely do individuals require surgery to correct flat feet. But, yes, you can treat rigid flat feet surgically. People with flat feet don’t always require medical attention or experience issues. Just like you can correct a hammertoe without surgery and do some things to prevent it, you can do it for flat feet, as well. However, your doctor may advise surgery if nonsurgical therapy doesn’t improve your foot pain, stiffness, or other problems.
Consult Your Surgeon Before the Procedure
If you have flat feet, you should seek the advice of a qualified podiatrist who can help you with that. The best option for you is Luxe Foot Surgery center because we have specialists who can provide you with all the information you require. So get in touch with us and make an appointment right away!
FAQ
Are Flat Feet Better?
The ability of flat feet to stabilize the body is inferior to that of feet with a regular arch.
What Problems Do People With Flat Feet Have?
Flatfoot patients occasionally report foot pain, especially in the arch or heel region, and having any activities may make the pain worse.
