Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Flatfeet

Article

Flatfeet develop after an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Flatfeet

You have flatfeet when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, allowing the entire soles of your feet to touch the floor when you stand up.

Insight:

  • A common and usually painless condition, flatfeet can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood.
  • In other cases, flatfeet develop after an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.
  • Flatfeet can sometimes contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs.
  • A flat foot is normal in infants and toddlers because the foot's arch hasn't yet developed.
  • Most people's arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches.
  • Some children have flexible flatfoot, in which the arch is visible when the child is sitting or standing on tiptoes but disappears when the child stands. Most children outgrow flexible flatfoot without problems.
  • Risk factors may include obesity, injury to the foot and ankle, rheumatoid arthritis, aging and diabetes.
  • Diagnosis may include visual check, X-ray, CT-scan, Ultrasound, and MRI.
  • Treatment may include arch support, stretching exercises, supportive shoes, and physical therapy.

Sources:

Related Videos
Laboratory test tubes and solution with stethoscope background | Image Credit: Shutter2U - stock.adobe.com
Image credit: Andrea Izzotti
Inflation Reduction Act is shown using the text and the US flag - Image credit: Andrii | stock.adobe.com
Pharmacy Interior | Image Credit: Tyler Olson - stock.adobe.com
Male pharmacist selling medications at drugstore to a senior woman customer | Image Credit: Zamrznuti tonovi - stock.adobe.com
Pharmacist assists senior woman in buying medicine in pharmacy - Image credit: Drazen | stock.adobe.com
Pharmacy, medicine and senior woman consulting pharmacist on prescription. Healthcare, shopping and elderly female in consultation with medical worker for medication box, pills or product in store - Image credit: C Daniels/peopleimages.com | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: fidaolga - stock.adobe.com
Pharmacists checking inventory at hospital pharmacy- Image credit: Jacob Lund | stock.adobe.com
Young male pharmacist giving prescription medications to senior female customer in a pharmacy | Image Credit: Zamrznuti tonovi - stock.adobe.com
© 2023 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.