Not everyone is an architect or a civil engineer but we all know how crucial the structure of a building is to keep it upright. Whether it’s constructing a skyscraper or bridge, the right support is required to regulate all the internal forces and energy in the right direction. And if it’s lacking, problems begin to appear. Now imagine yourself to be a building that moves. The energy inside your body is constantly helping you to walk, run, sit, stand and your body is adjusting to the various motions all the time. But what if your foot structure is abnormal? Your entire support system (for movement) goes awry. While visiting a reputable orthotics clinic in Mandurah can provide you with long-term relief, what are the various kinds of abnormal foot structures do people live with?
The proper combination of joints, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments create the proper foot structure that keeps your movements stable and robust. And when something’s amiss, that’s when you suffer the consequences of foot deformities. Keep reading this blog to discover the kinds of unusual foot structures and what to do.
Different Kinds of Abnormal Foot Structures
1. Flat foot: Also known as fallen arches, people with flat feet either do not have an arch in their feet or the arch is too low. You can tell if someone has a flat foot when he/she is standing and there’s a gap below the inner part of the foot and the arch is slightly raised off the ground.
People with flat feet require treatment when they experience discomfort. If it causes pain to other parts of the body, it can indicate an underlying disorder. Some people can have a very low arch or no arch at all and experience no pain. But if it causes foot pain, you’ll have to opt for custom orthotics from a reputable orthotics clinic in Mandurah and perform a few exercises.
2. Pronated foot: It is a type of deformity in which your foot rolls inward while walking. The foot does not lay flat on the ground as the arch spreads out and the ankle shifts towards the inside. The amount of movement depends on two factors – the person’s flexibility and the height of the arch.
Moderate pronation is imperative for shock absorption during movement. However, what requires medical attention is overpronation, a condition when the feet spread out completely and touch the ground. The ankle might also rotate inwards at a particular angle. This is when the misalignment of the knees and hips comes into play, causing pain in the foot over time.
3. High-arched feet: High arches are particularly problematic because they curb your foot’s shock absorbing ability when landing your steps. The arch usually flattens out in a typical case. In contrast, a person with a high arch can’t do this so effectively since the arches are likely to be too rigid. High arched people encounter pain when walking or standing. If left untreated, it can develop into claw toes, hammertoes and even calluses for the additional pressure exerted on the front of the foot. Thus, if you’re experiencing the impacts of high arches, you’re advised to avail podiatric treatment in Mandurah without further delay.
4. Clubfoot: Clubfoot is generally classified as a congenital foot deformity, that is, a child is born with this type of abnormal foot structure. In this condition, the foot appears to be twisted and out of shape. The connective tissues between the muscles and the bone are comparatively shorter.
Clubfoot is one of the most common birth defects in newborns and can be mild or severe. Children with clubfoot have difficulty walking. Hence, the condition must be treated no sooner than a child is born with this deformity. The symptoms of clubfoot include:
- The top part of the foot is twisted inward or downward. Consequently, the child has a high arch and the heel turns inward
- The affected leg or foot can be shorter and has underdeveloped calf muscles
- The foot might be severely twisted, looking like it’s upside down
5. Equinus foot: The ankle joint connects the leg and foot with the help of three bones, the talus, tibia and fibula. These bones function as a hinge at the ankle. As a result, the ankle joint enables you to walk, run and jump and maintains stability in the lower limb. However, when the ankle joint lacks flexibility and the toes-to-shin movement is restricted, this problem is referred to as equinus.
Equinus is the effect of excessive tightness in the Achilles tendon or calf muscles. A variety of foot conditions are associated with equinus, some of which are plantar fasciitis, flat foot, ankle pain, shin splints and bunions. But you don’t need to worry because all these conditions are treatable, provided you visit a podiatrist at the right time!
Get Any Foot Deformity Treated at the Best Orthotics Clinic in Mandurah
Peel Podiatry Clinic takes pride in offering top-quality and effective podiatric treatment for a wide variety of foot deformities. As an experienced and reputable orthotics clinic in Mandurah, our panel of podiatrists are highly-qualified and specialize in diagnosing different abnormal foot structures and providing relief as soon as possible. To book an appointment, reach us today.