Teenagers like Jessica Onder enjoy playing sports in school and taking part in other activities with friends to stay active. “She was on the swim team, marching band, rifle team, and did a lot of things,” says Maureen Onder about her daughter. After a recent basketball injury that the teen suffered, Onder discovered something she never knew about her feet. After spraining her ankle walking on a rock causing it to twist inward, the injury exposed something she was not aware she had: Flat feet.
“I thought it was something with her leg, or her knees or something, you know, bow legged. I never considered it being flat foot, ‘cause I didn't know anyone who had It.” said Maureen. Flat feet are a problem more common than you might realize according to West Penn Hospital orthopedic foot specialist Dr. Victor Prisk. “About 30 percent of people have a flat foot,” said Prisk.
Having flat-feet can lead to complications down the road. If you think you have flat feet you should seek out the care of a podiatrist such as like Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Cohen will diagnose any foot conditions you may have as well as provide you with a range of treatment options.
What are Flat Feet?
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.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Saginaw, MI and Essexville, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
For more information on the treatment of flat feet, visit this link.