If your feet are flat and don't form an arch when standing on the floor, the risk of developing osteoarthritis is very high.

According to Dr. Paul D'Alfonso, Director of the Chiropractic Center at Maple Healthcare, flat feet are medically known as scapula, meaning the inner arch of the foot lacks a natural curve, leaving it in complete contact with the floor when standing. "Flat feet shift the center of gravity of the entire body, negatively impacting the musculoskeletal system. If left uncorrected, over time it can lead to problems in the ankles, knees, hips, and joints," the doctor warns.

The soles of people with flat feet make direct contact with the ground.

According to Dr. Paul, flat feet are common in infants and toddlers because the tissues that hold and connect the joints inside the foot (also known as tendons) are not yet strong. Normally, by the time children are 2-3 years old, these tissues begin to harden and form an arch for the foot.

Most people will have a normal arch in their feet by adulthood. However, there are cases where the foot cannot naturally form an arch. Additionally, age, injury, weight, or disease can affect tendons, causing flat feet in people who already have a natural arch. Flat feet can occur on one side or both feet.

In children, flat feet rarely cause serious problems, with only a few cases potentially resulting in pain in the feet, ankles, or feet. In adults, flat feet can cause symptoms such as pain and swelling in the feet and ankles, increased pain during activity or prolonged sports, difficulty walking, and loss of balance.

If left uncorrected, flat feet can lead to many musculoskeletal problems.

Observe someone with flat feet; you'll notice their soles make direct contact with the ground when they stand. You can also check your own feet by wetting them and then standing on a surface that leaves a footprint. If you can see the footprint of your entire foot, from toes to heel, you may also have flat feet.

To accurately diagnose flat feet, you need to visit a specialized orthopedic center for examination. There, doctors will ask the patient to stand on their tiptoes. If the foot is flat but still has an arch, it indicates flexibility, and no treatment is needed. If the arch is absent or there is pain, the patient will be prescribed a CT scan, MRI, or X-ray to accurately diagnose the condition of the bones and tendons in the foot. Based on this, the doctor will then advise on appropriate treatment.

Parents are advised by doctors to pay attention to their children's posture. If they notice that children aged 3 and older often press the inner edge of their feet against the ground while walking, running, or jumping, they should take them for a check-up. "Early detection of flat feet in children is very helpful in treatment because at this stage the bones and tendons are still soft and easy to adjust. Children only need to wear medical orthopedic insoles that are sized to fit their feet to create an arch and support the foot, gradually shaping and bringing the bone and joint system back into the correct position," said Dr. Paul.

Orthopedic insoles help create an arch for people with flat feet.

Note: Insoles must be worn regularly, so parents need to have their children's feet measured and the insoles adjusted to fit their growth. Continue wearing orthopedic insoles until the child's foot structure reaches the desired shape as advised by the doctor.

After the age of 12, tendons and joints become stiffer and more difficult to adjust, so orthopedic insoles are no longer as effective. For adults, this type of insole only helps prevent joint pain and supports better balance while walking, but it cannot create a proper arch, so the insoles must be worn for life.

Dr. Paul recommends that children and adults with flat feet have regular spinal checkups to ensure the condition isn't negatively impacting their spinal health. In cases of severe pain, you can alleviate it through exercise, stretching, medication, physical therapy, and ultimately, surgery.

According to vnexpress