Flat Feet

All normal feet have slight arches and are not flat. A shock absorbing function is served by the arch, more so for the knees and the back and for the entire human body in general. The occurrence of flat feet in individuals will have a detrimental effect of the skeletal system of a person. Foot imprints are used to determine the absence or presence of flat feet in people. On the imprint the major points of the feet such as the ball and heel of the foot and all the toes, should be clearly outlined, with the principal point being an arch at the very edge of the outline, formed by the outer instep of the foot, the image of the inner instep must not be visible in the imprint. Flat footedness is characterized by certain physical signs which include, fatigue in the feet and legs after a little exertion, and a burning sensation in the sole of the feet. Flat feet can also have a detrimental effect on the muscles in the thighs and the lower back. A poor venous system or nerve inflammation common in diabetics is believed to be the cause of aches in the foot and the legs. Another long term affect of the fat feet is the appearance of arthritis in the joints of the feet.

The deficiency of essential minerals like calcium and silica and vitamins like vitamin D is often a sign of flat feet in children. The disappearance of the arches in the feet of adults is due to a combination of causes and physical habits. A lot of stress and strain is put on the muscles of the foot and they are detrimentally affected by standing for long periods of time, alternately activities like walking permits the entire range of muscles in the feet to be utilized. Extreme strain on the feet can be caused or brought about by the repeated wearing of uncomfortable and ill fitting shoes with too thin a sole, or shoes that have high heels or even soles that are too flat, and those without proper insoles, especially is situations where these shoes are used for standing in a single position for long periods of time and if these shoes are used for long walks.

The feet are also overburdened by the act of carrying excess weight. The problem may be further aggravated, when there is a failure of the part of the person to adequately rest the feet and give them a good workout by actions such as walking barefoot at home or on the grass. A moderate amount of barefoot walking on the sand is very healthy since all the muscles in the feet are utilized to this end, this activity should however be limited as a strain on flat feet are more easily sustained when compared to healthy feet.

Supplements and herbs

The use and abuse of the internal anatomy of the feet is responsible for flat feet, muscles and ligaments in the foot become sluggish from over use. The consumption of all the essential minerals like calcium, silica and the vitamin D, can be increased in children through an enhanced dietary regimen. Adult dosages reduced by about half can be used by children.

What else you can do

The soft leather shoes or sandals that are worn must be comfortable and loose. High heel and shoes with extremely high bases should be avoided as they increase the chances of wear and tear and injuries. The muscles of the feet can be given regular exercises by walking barefoot on a sandy beach or on round pebbles from time to time. The fallen arches of the feet can also be supported through the use of foam or plastic insoles. To relieve the pain and to soothe and relax the feet, recourse can be taken from time to time, by having warm, alternating foot baths and hot Epsom salt baths with massages using a balsamic foot cream. Under the supervision and care of a physiotherapist or a podiatrist, start on a gradual pace of regular and routine foot exercises a few weeks or even months after resting and not stressing the feet with badly fitting shoes and unnecessary strains.

Usual dosage

• Vitamin D, 400 IU.
• Silica, 500 mg.
• Calcium, 800 mg.