Flat feet treatment Cairns is available at FNQ Podiatry and Orthotics, with clinics available around the region for your convenience. What is a flat foot and over-pronation? Foot pronation is a natural and normal movement of the foot during running or walking. Put simply, it is the arch rolling or tipping inwards. This motion is necessary as it provides shock absorption for the rest of the lower limb and therefore reduces stresses through bony and soft tissue structures. However, in some cases, pronation can occur in excessive amounts which can lead to notable compensations through the lower limb, often contributing to injury. A common misconception is that foot pronation only occurs in ‘flat feet’ however this is not the case at all. Whilst being a little more uncommon, you can also get high arched feet that pronate. These feet have a high arch position while non-weight bearing however collapse heavily during stance, therefore leading to increased workload through the lower limb. It is this very reason why our Podiatrists always assess arch position while you are laying on the bed and compare it to what happens when you stand, walk and run. If you are seeking professional flat feet / pronating feet treatment Cairns, FNQ Podiatry and Orthotics can help.
In the majority of cases of flat feet that we see, it is a hereditary condition which is predominantly first noticed during childhood. This is generally associated with hypermobile (loose) joints which leads to the foot collapsing during standing or walking. Other common contributing factors include:
Whilst it is important to note that some people don’t experience pain with flat feet, the majority of people will at some point in their life. The following is a common list of signs/symptoms that we see in our clinics in patients who present with flat feet or excessive pronation:
Flat feet can be diagnosed through a thorough biomechanical assessment of the lower limb. This assessment will include VALD strength testing Cairns to identify specific weakness areas, video gait analysis of you walking/running and various functional tests e.g. hopping/skipping. In some instances, imaging may be required to assess the severity and to rule out any other contributing factors e.g. Coalition.
Once our Podiatrist has run you through a detailed biomechanical assessment, they will outline the individual contributing factors to your flat feet and go through a treatment plan to target these factors. Whilst there are a number of different ways to address flat feet, our treatment plans generally involve the following.
1.Strengthening Program
2.Custom Foot Orthotics Cairns
3.Footwear Recommendations
If you or a family member are suffering from pain and feel like your flat feet may be contributing, please give our friendly team a call on 40 455 749. One of our friendly Podiatrists will be happy to run you through an initial examination, to get to the bottom of your pain and get you back doing what you love as soon as possible.
Controlling over pronation is important to reduce the risk of possible further injury. In the majority of cases we will look at prescribing footwear which will provide greater support. Furthermore if required we may look at prescribing Custom Foot Orthotics which help improve the alignment of over-pronation. These will reduce stress placed on major structures of the foot such as the joints and muscles.
Alternatively we can look at an exercise plan to improve strength through the structures which are commonly at risk of injury such as the tibialis posterior and the intrinsic muscles of the foot. These treatments combined will lower risk of further injury.
Flat feet and lower limb biomechanics can cause lower back pain. We can help with a range of effective treatment options.
If you have knee pain, you might have Patellofemoral syndrome, which left untreated can become a chronic condition.
Active individuals often get shin splints. We can help with custom orthotics, massage and strapping.
Heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis) is the most common condition that presents at our clinics. We can help.
The average pair of feet walk approximately 200,000 km over the course of a lifetime - have you had yours checked recently?
Our new modern, purpose built clinic on Mulgrave Road in Earlville, is the only podiatry clinic north of south-east Queensland to include a running rehab room and gym. This clinic is a game changer for podiatry in North Queensland. Podiatrist Cairns.