Your feet provide you with plenty of benefits and conveniences that you may be taking for granted. Depending on your lifestyle, you may be using them in different ways in which without them, these tasks may be nigh impossible to accomplish. Therefore, experiencing complications like flat feet in Singapore can be a difficult obstacle to overcome.
Some of the symptoms of flat feet are leg cramps, muscle pain, and toe drift. While it is unfortunate that there is no way to prevent this condition, there are treatments available to help you feel comfortable.
However, it is crucial to know what causes flat feet to occur in your body as some of them are within your control, such as obesity.
Therefore, continue reading this article if you want to learn more about the causes of this condition and how podiatrists treat them.
Flat Feet in Singapore: Causes & Treatments Available
I. What Causes Flat Feet?
A foot and ankle specialist in Singapore would define flat feet as a condition where the foot of a patient has a lower arch than usual. Looking at a drawing, X-ray, or a side-by-side comparison, you will notice the absence of an arch. While it may seem like a minor issue, as stated before, there are several downsides that cause a patient to feel uncomfortable. After all, it is a crucial feature of your feet that aids in keeping your balance and allows you to do the usual activities like walking, running, and jumping without any discomfort.
Like most health conditions, podiatrists know of several reasons why this condition occurs. One thing you need to know about it is that babies are born with flat feet. However, parents should start seeing the arch when they are around two or three years old. Fortunately, this condition generally doesn’t cause discomfort or trouble for them.
The only time you should start worrying about this condition should be when your children don’t have a noticeable arch by the time they reach six. If it happens, consider seeking treatment, which will be discussed further in this article.
Aside from birth-related issues, the following are some of the possible reasons why you are experiencing flat feet in Singapore:
- Broken Bones
- Diabetes
- Down Syndrome
- Genetic Predisposition
- High Blood Pressure
- Nerve Damage
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tendon Injuries
Now that you know what causes flat feet, you shouldn’t make the mistake of diagnosing yourself. If you think you are experiencing leg cramps, muscle pain, or toe drift, consider setting an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist.
Once you arrive at a clinic, a podiatrist may ask you to take the following tests:
- X-rays
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- MRI
If your podiatrist confirms you have flat feet, you don’t need to worry, as there are treatments available to provide relief. Continue reading this article to learn more about them.
II. How to Treat Flat Feet?
Generally speaking, a foot and ankle specialist may not ask you to seek treatment if your flat feet are causing no pain, which is helpful for individuals who lack the budget to accommodate its additional expenses. Nevertheless, there are several therapy options to relieve discomfort that they might recommend depending on your condition. Continue reading this article to learn more about them.
1. Orthotic Devices
One of the possible treatments podiatrists may give you is arch supports that help improve your comfort. One example is insoles for flat feet. Unlike commercial products, wearing these can correct issues with your movement and prevent problems from developing. However, you need to consult your podiatrist to get the right one.
2. Supportive Footwear
Fortunately, there are brands available in the market offering shoes that could be comfortable for individuals with flat feet. However, most of these products may not be suitable for you. Consider buying those that don’t make you feel pain or discomfort.
3. Stretching Exercises
Consulting an osteopath can provide you with various physical activities that could help strengthen your muscles. If you don’t know any osteopathy clinics, feel free to ask your foot and ankle specialist in Singapore for recommendations.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
If you are experiencing extreme pain due to flat feet, painkillers from pharmacies may provide comfort in addition to ice and rest. However, this method may not be reliable. Therefore, consult a podiatrist immediately if it persists.
5. Physical Therapy
For athletes experiencing this condition, physiotherapy can help provide you with the necessary equipment and exercises to provide comfort. Additionally, your therapist may ask for videos of your performance for analysis. After careful examination, they may point out mistakes in your form and technique while also giving tips on how you can improve.
Given these treatments, you might be wondering if surgery is available for those experiencing flat feet. Fortunately, there are some podiatrists who may suggest it, especially if you are feeling extreme pain. However, this procedure typically applies to patients with other issues, such as tendon injuries.
Conclusion
Experiencing issues, such as flat feet or an ankle fracture in Singapore can hinder how you accomplish your daily activities. Walking, running, or jumping can be painful, and while it may be bearable, it is advisable to seek professional treatment. After all, ignoring health complications is often not a good idea.
Therefore, if you are experiencing flat feet, you must seek a foot and ankle specialist for a proper diagnosis. Like every other medical issue, never consider self-diagnosis as it can worsen your condition. Trust only individuals with adequate training in these kinds of matters.
If you need treatment for your flat feet issues, contact Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal of Specialist Orthopaedic Centre for more information regarding your available options. Visit their website to learn more about their other services, such as trauma surgery, paediatric, and geriatric orthopaedic.
