Morton’s Neuroma

What is it ?

Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the foot arch collapses such that the soles of the feet come to complete or near-complete contact with the ground.

The arch of your foot plays an important role in lower limb biomechanics; it helps propel the body over the foot during walking whilst also assisting in shock absorption. Flat feet can often with asymptomatic.

Causes

• Age

• Overuse, and wear and tear

• Injury to foot and ankle

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

• Ligament laxity, such as in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• Other conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy

Signs and Symptoms

• Achy tired feet

• Muscle cramps and aches

• Stiffness in feet

• Knee, hip and back pain.

Treatment

• Custom-made orthoses

• Footwear modification

• Joint mobilization

• Exercise therapy: including strengthening exercises for the feet

• In certain circumstances (i.e. a rigid flat foot), surgery which is rare.