Have You Ever Checked Your Foot?
Introduction
Every walking day ends the same: you get home, exhausted, your feet screaming after hours of work. Sometimes you blame the shoes, swap them for something softer — but still, the ache returns. Other nights you pop a painkiller and collapse into bed, only to wake up and repeat the cycle. At this point, the problem may not be your shoes at all — it could be your feet. Take a quick look right now: do you see a natural arch in the middle of your foot? Or does the entire sole rest flat against the ground?
If it’s the latter, you may have pes planus (flat feet) — and if the pain sounds familiar, this post is written for you (or someone you know who’s been complaining of the same thing).
What Exactly is Pes Planus?
In a normal foot, there is a natural arch in the middle that acts like a spring. This arch helps absorb shock, distributes your weight, and gives balance while walking or running. But in some others, that arch is missing – meaning the entire sole touches or almost touches the ground. Hence without that spring, every step you take puts extra stress on your muscles, ligaments, and joints. While some people live their whole lives with flat feet and never feel pain, others experience aching, swelling, or fatigue in the feet and legs — especially after standing or walking for long periods. The difference often lies in how much strain your flat feet put on your joints, muscles, and posture over time.
A quick note for parents: It is normal for children under age 3 to appear flat-footed because their arches are still developing. But if a child’s feet are still flat beyond age 4, it’s wise to consult a physiotherapist early — to prevent pain or walking difficulties later in life.
What’s the Big Deal with Flat Feet?
Flat feet are not always a problem. Some people live their entire lives without pain or difficulty. But when they are a problem, the effects can spread far beyond the feet. Why? Because your feet are the foundation of your posture. If the foundation isn’t stable, everything stacked on top — ankles, knees, hips, and even your spine — feels the impact.
In children, untreated flat feet may delay motor milestones, making it harder for them to walk, run, or play comfortably. In adults, flat feet can contribute to chronic foot and leg pain, reduced endurance, and even early arthritis in weight-bearing joints. In general, flat feet can quietly reshape how the body moves, often causing aches in places you wouldn’t expect.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Having flat feet doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a lifetime of pain. With the right care, you can manage symptoms, improve function, and even prevent complications down the road. This is where physiotherapy steps in. Physiotherapy can help by:
Strengthening foot muscles
Improving flexibility
Correcting posture and gait – training you to walk and stand in ways that protect your knees, hips, and spine.
Recommending orthotics – custom shoe inserts that provide the extra support your feet need.
Managing pain
For children, physiotherapy supports healthy foot development, making sure flat feet don’t interfere with walking or running milestones. For adults, it focuses on reducing pain and preventing problems from spreading to other joints. In short: physiotherapy doesn’t just treat your feet — it protects your whole body.
Final Thoughts
Flat feet may seem minor, but left unaddressed, they can affect your movement, posture, and quality of life. The good news is that physiotherapy offers practical, long-term solutions — no need to keep popping painkillers or buying new shoes every month.
📞 Reach out to us today at +2348126973878 to book a consultation. Let’s help you step stronger, live healthier, and give your feet the support they deserve.
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