Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet are lower than usual or completely flat, causing the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing. While many people with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may develop pain, particularly in the feet, ankles, or lower legs. This condition can lead to overpronation, where the foot rolls inward excessively during walking or running, potentially causing alignment issues and stress on the knees and hips. If flat feet develop suddenly in adulthood, it may indicate an underlying issue such as a tendon injury or arthritis. If you have persistent pain and difficulty engaging in activities because of flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can assess the severity, recommend treatments like orthotics, and guide you on managing symptoms to prevent complications and improve foot function.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip-toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More About Flat Feet

Flatfoot is a condition that occurs when the arches on the foot are flattened, which allows the soles of the feet to touch the floor. Flatfoot is a common condition and it is usually painless.

Throughout childhood, most people begin to develop arches in their feet, however, some do not. Those who do not develop arches are left with flatfoot. The pain associated with flat feet is usually at its worse when engaging in activity. Another symptom that may occur with those who have this condition is swelling along the inside of the ankle.

It is also possible to have flexible flatfoot. Flexible flatfoot occurs when the arch is visible while sitting or standing on the tiptoes, but it disappears when standing. People who have flexible flatfoot are often children and most outgrow it without any problems.

There are some risk factors that may make you more likely to develop flatfoot. Those who have diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of flatfoot development. Other factors include aging and obesity.

Diagnosis for flat feet is usually done by a series of tests by your podiatrist. Your podiatrist will typically try an x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI on the feet. Treatment is usually not necessary for flat foot unless it causes pain. However, therapy is often used for those who experience pain in their flat feet. Some other suggested treatment options are arch supports, stretching exercises, and supportive shoes. 

Sever’s disease is a frequent cause of heel pain in children going through their growth spurt, typically between the ages of eight and 14. This condition arises when the Achilles tendon, which links the calf muscle to the heel, grows slower than the bones in the feet. As a result, the tendon pulls on the heel, causing discomfort. Symptoms can include heel pain during or after physical activity, limping, and walking on tiptoes. Though Sever’s disease often improves as growth slows, there are effective methods that can manage the pain. Adjusting activity levels, taking medications, and using orthotics can provide relief. If your child is struggling with heel pain, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can offer a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of action to ensure your child’s comfort and continued activity.

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain in none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain that one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping, and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More About Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease, also known as calcaneal apophysitis is a common bone disorder that occurs during childhood. The disease is defined as an inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. When a child has a growth spurt, his heel bone grows faster than the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in his leg. This disease is a result of overuse. The people who are most likely to be affected by this disease are children who are in a growth spurt, especially boys who are from the ages of 5 to 13 years old. 60% of children with Sever’s disease have both heels involved.

Symptoms of this disease are heel pain that intensifies during running and jumping activities. The pain is typically localized to the posterior part of the heel. Symptoms may be severe, and they can easily interfere with daily activities. Children who play soccer, baseball, and basketball are more likely to develop Sever’s disease.

Your podiatrist will diagnose your child based on his or her symptoms, x-rays are generally not helpful in diagnosing this disease. Your podiatrist may examine both heels and ask your child questions about his or her activity level in sports. Your podiatrist may then use the squeeze test on your child’s heel to see if there is any pain. Nevertheless, some podiatrists might still use x-rays to rule out any other issues such as fractures, infections, and tumors.

Sever’s disease can be prevented by maintaining good flexibility while your child is growing. Another prevention method is to wear good-quality shoes that have firm support and a shock-absorbent sole. Sever’s disease can be treated by ceasing any activity that causes heel pain. You should apply ice to the injured heel for 20 minutes 3 times a day. Additionally, orthotics should be used for children who have high arches, flat feet, or bowed legs.

If you suspect your child has Sever’s disease, you should make an appointment with your podiatrist to have his or her foot examined. Your podiatrist may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain. In more severe cases, your child may need a cast to rest his or her heel. Fortunately, Sever’s disease does not cause long-term foot problems. After treatment, your child should start to feel better within two weeks to two months.

Ankle pain can stem from various issues affecting the complex structure of the ankle, which includes bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The ankle joint comprises the tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg, which connect to the talus bone in the foot. Ligaments stabilize the joint, while tendons enable movement. Common causes of ankle pain can include sprains, arthritis, and fractures. Sprains occur when ligaments are stretched or torn, often due to twisting injuries. Strains involve overstretching or tearing of tendons or muscles. Arthritis can lead to inflammation and stiffness, while fractures result from trauma or severe impact. To alleviate ankle pain, consider resting the ankle to reduce swelling and discomfort. Mild pain relievers like ibuprofen may also help to provide temporary relief. For persistent or severe pain, it is suggested you contact a podiatrist for professional medical advice, as more advanced treatments may be necessary to address the underlying issue and restore function.

Ankle Pain

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More About Anke Pain

The ankle joint is the point at which the bones of the leg and foot join. This joint is crucial because it is responsible for the foot’s mobility. Ankle pain is typically the result of inflammation from an injury to bones, joint space, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the area. Commonly associated symptoms with ankle pain are bruising, redness, numbness, stiffness, weakness, and tingling.

The most common causes of ankle pain are sprains and injuries. Ankle sprains are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle become partially or completely torn due to sudden stretching. Sprains can occur on either the inner or outer sides of the ankle joint. Usually, these injuries occur when the ankle is twisted in an activity by stepping off an uneven surface. More specific causes include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and Achilles tendonitis.

If you are experiencing ankle pain, you should consult with your podiatrist to choose the best method of care. Your doctor will conduct an examination of your ankle to determine the underlying cause of the pain.

Children are typically born with flat feet, a natural condition due to undeveloped arches and soft, flexible bones. As they grow, their arches gradually form, usually becoming noticeable around age two or three. During the early years, it is best for children to walk barefoot as much as possible, allowing their feet to develop strength and proper alignment. When they begin walking outdoors, they need shoes that provide protection without restricting natural foot movement. Look for shoes with a flexible sole, breathable material, and a wide toe box to accommodate growing feet. Shoes should also have a snug fit at the heel to prevent slipping but not be too tight to cause discomfort. Regularly checking for proper fit is important, as children’s feet grow rapidly. When it comes time to select shoes for your child, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for further help and to have your child’s feet assessed for any other footwear needs for healthy foot development.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More About Children’s Foot Health

It is never normal for a child to experience pain in his or her feet. Foot pain that lasts more than a few days and limits a child’s ability to walk should be examined by a podiatrist. Many adult foot ailments originate in childhood and may be present at birth. Common foot issues that are experienced by children are pediatric flat foot, Sever’s disease, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.

A child’s foot grows rapidly during the first year, allowing it to reach almost half of their adult foot size. Consequently, foot specialists consider the first year to be the most crucial point in the foot development process. There are ways you can help ensure that your child’s foot develops properly. One way is to carefully look at your baby’s feet. If you notice any deformities, you should immediately seek professional care. You should also loosely cover your child’s foot, since tight coverings may prevent movement and inhibit normal development. Another tip is to change the baby’s positioning throughout the day. If your baby lies down in one spot for too long, it may put an excess amount of strain on the feet and legs.

It is best that you try not to force a child to start walking. Children will begin to walk when they are both physically and emotionally capable to do so. You should also avoid comparing your child’s walking progress with other children because the age range for independent walking may range. When your child’s feet begin to develop, you may need to change both their shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for their feet to grow.

Kids are sometimes prone to splinters, cuts, and severe injuries because they tend to walk around barefoot. This also makes them more susceptible to developing plantar warts which is a condition caused by a virus that invades the sole of the foot through breaks in the skin. These ailments can be avoided by making sure your child wears shoes in unsanitary environments. You should also wash any minor cuts or scrapes on your child’s feet. It is a myth that exposure to fresh air will heal injuries; fresh air will only expose your child’s cuts to germs.

As a parent, you should ensure that your child’s feet are developing properly and are being properly maintained. Consequently, it is important that you perform routine inspections on his or her feet to detect any injuries or deformities in their early stages. Early detection and treatment will help to ensure that your child does not develop any serious foot conditions.

Hammertoes, also known as claw toes or mallet toes, are deformities where one or more toes bend abnormally at the middle joint, resembling a hammer. This condition can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, toes may still be flexible and only slightly bent, causing minimal discomfort. Severe cases can involve rigid, painful toes that can lead to corns, calluses, and difficulty in walking. Hammertoes often result from wearing tight, narrow shoes that force the toes into a bent position. They can also be caused by muscle imbalances, arthritis, or genetic predisposition. Treatments vary based on severity. Mild cases can benefit from switching to roomier footwear, using orthotic devices, wearing splints, and performing toe exercises. Severe cases may require medical interventions such as corticosteroid injections or surgical correction. If you have severe pain from a hammertoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for the best ways to relieve discomfort and restore toe function.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our clinicians from The Footcare Centre. Our podiatrists will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Weybridge, UK. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read More About Hammertoes

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that occurs due to an imbalance in the tendons, muscles, or ligaments that are responsible for holding the toes in their normal position. This condition may be caused by poor footwear, foot structure, trauma, and disease. The most common solution for hammertoe is to relieve the pain by changing your footwear and wearing orthotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

The shoes that are most likely to cause hammertoe are high heeled shoes or shoes that are too tight in the toe box. Tight shoes will force your toes to crowd together in a curled position. This position will likely continue when you take your shoes off. Another cause is trauma. When you stub your toe, you are increasing the chance that you will develop hammertoe.

There are risk factors that may make you more likely to develop this condition. Women are more likely to have the condition compared to men, and it is also more likely to appear in those who are older in age.

Many different foot problems can be avoided by wearing shoes that have adjustability, adequate toe room, and low heels. Furthermore, if you want to buy new shoes, you should look to purchase them at the end of the day and make sure you know your correct size. The importance of buying shoes at the end of the day is that your feet swell as the day progresses. You should also ensure that you are wearing your correct size because your shoe size may change as you grow older.

To diagnose someone with hammertoe, your podiatrist will need to conduct a thorough examination of your foot. Your doctor may even order an x-ray to evaluate the bones and joints of your feet and toes.

If you have hammertoe, your podiatrist may recommend that you wear shoes that fit you better along with inserts to place inside them. Additionally, he or she may suggest special exercises for you to perform to stretch your toes. One helpful exercise it to pick up marbles with your feet or crumple a towel with your toes.

Prior to meeting with your podiatrist, it will be helpful to make a list of all the symptoms you are experiencing. You should also make a note of medications you are taking and important personal information about your medical history.