What can happen if flat feet go untreated?
Asked 14 days ago
Hey, I have had fallen arches for a few months now and I am curious about the potential consequences if I don't do anything to manage them. Currently, I do not have any pain but I have heard that it can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty with standing or walking for long periods of time. I want to know if there are other health issues that could arise if I don't seek treatment and if it could potentially impact other parts of my body, such as my knees or hips. Any advice would help!
Janik Sundstrom
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Yes, without proper treatment and support the loss of arch height could progressively get worse over time and with physically activity, leading to the onset of pain or discomfort in your feet. The arch height determines the alignment of the ankle joint, and subsequently the knee and hip joints determined by the rotation of the bones in the lower legs. Misalignment and rotation of these joints can lead to degradation of the joint’s cartilage and arthritis will develop ad a result. It may not be immediate but in the future the pain or discomfort will arise. Seeking treatment, usually conservatively, can prevent the misalignment of the ankle joint by supporting the arches with supportive shoes or custom orthotics, thus preventing worsening of your symptoms in the future.
Please follow our Community Guidelines