Flat Feet in Runners – All You Need to Know

Posted on by Xtremity Admin

Are you a runner with flat feet? If so, you’re not alone. Flat feet can affect up to 20% of the population. 

While having flat feet may not seem like a big deal initially, a common question arises. Do flat feet affect running speed? From pain and discomfort to decreased performance and even injury, flat feet can be a significant obstacle in your running journey. So, how to fix flat feet?

Let us explore everything you need to know about flat feet in runners – from causes and symptoms to treatments and solutions that will help keep you running strong!

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also termed fallen arches, are common foot conditions where the arch collapses and becomes flattened to the ground. This can occur in one or both feet and can be caused by several factors, including genetics, injury, or weakened muscles.

The foot’s arch is essential in supporting our body weight while we walk or run. It acts like a spring that absorbs shock and helps distribute pressure evenly across our feet. However, when someone has flat feet, this natural shock absorber is no longer effective, leading to problems such as pain in your heels, ankles, knees or lower back.

Flat Feet are often diagnosed during childhood, but they can also develop later in life due to wear and tear. Symptoms include feeling tired quickly from standing for long periods or experiencing discomfort when walking barefoot on hard surfaces.

While having flat feet doesn’t necessarily mean you must stop running altogether, it’s essential to take proper care of your feet to keep running comfortably without injuring yourself.

Flat Feet Problems

If you are dealing with the condition, you may be facing a couple of flat feet problems, including:

If you are dealing with the condition, you may be facing a couple of flat feet problems, including:

  • Pain and Discomfort

Flat feet can cause pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This is due to the lack of cushioning and support in the foot’s arch.

  • Increased Risk of Injury

Running with flat feet increases the risk of foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and stress fractures.

  • Poor Posture

Flat feet can cause poor posture, leading to back, hip, and knee pain.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

  • If you have flat feet, you may experience various symptoms, such as foot, heel or arch pain during and after running. The lack of proper arch support can also result in an inward rolling motion of your ankle which causes instability and discomfort.
  • Another symptom of flat feet is overpronation, where the feet roll too far inward when striking the ground while running. This leads to excessive wear and tear on the inside of your shoes and increases your risk for injury. You may also feel tiredness or cramping in your legs after prolonged periods of standing or walking.
  • People who have flat feet often face difficulty finding comfortable shoes because most footwear is designed for people with normal arches. 

Do flat feet affect running speed?

Flat feet may cause discomfort and pain for runners. The arches of the feet act as natural shock absorbers, cushioning each stride taken while running. However, individuals with flat feet have little or no arch support, so their feet cannot absorb shock efficiently.

Running with flat feet can cause overpronation – an inward rolling motion of the foot during an impact – leading to increased pressure on certain parts of the foot and lower leg. This can result in various injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints and knee pain.

Flat-footed runners also tend to tire faster due to the added muscle strain. The body has to work twice as hard to maintain balance and stability during running without proper arch support.

To prevent these problems, flat-footed runners need to invest in proper footwear that provides adequate arch support. Custom-made orthotics or inserts may also help alleviate discomfort by providing additional cushioning and stability.

While flat feet do not mean one cannot run at all, it is essential to take preventative measures against potential injuries caused by a lack of arch support. Consulting a podiatrist or sports medicine professional may help determine an appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs.

How to Keep Running with Flat Feet

Running with flat feet can be challenging as it may cause pain and discomfort. However, there are ways to keep running and enjoy this physical activity.

Firstly, choosing the right shoes that provide proper support and wearing the best shoes for flat feet if you are running with flat feet is important. Look for the best shoes for flat feet with good arch support and stability features. Insoles specifically designed for flat feet can also help reduce pain while running.

Stretching your calf muscles before and after a run can also help reduce pressure on your feet. Incorporating strength training exercises such as heel raises, or toe curls into your routine can help improve foot function too.

Gradually increasing the intensity of your runs is essential when running with flat feet. Start slow and steady, gradually increasing speed or distance over time to avoid injury or discomfort.

It’s crucial to listen to your body – if you feel any pain or discomfort during a run, stop immediately and rest until you recover fully. With patience, perseverance, the right equipment, stretching exercises, and gradual progressions in intensity levels, runners with flat feet should be able to continue enjoying their passion without having their conditions become limiting factors!

How to Treat Flat Feet

Flat feet can cause pain and discomfort, especially when running. Luckily, some treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of flat feet. 

Custom Insoles for flat feet in Dubai

One way to treat flat feet is by wearing custom insoles for flat feet by Xtremity explicitly designed for your foot shape. These devices support the arches, which help absorb shock and reduce pain.

Custom insoles are shoe inserts used in trainers and shoes to properly reposition the foot’s bones and joints. This reduces areas of excess pressure and enhances the function of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. 

Orthotics

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that are designed to provide additional arch support and cushioning. They are typically made from foam, rubber, or plastic and can be worn in most shoes. Orthotics may be prescribed by a podiatrist or purchased over the counter.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be an effective way to fix flat feet. A physical therapist can create an exercise regime that helps to strengthen the muscles in the feet and lower legs, improve flexibility, and correct any alignment issues.

Consult Xtremity for expert care

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of flat feet or are concerned about your ability to run with them, it’s essential to consult an expert. At Xtremity, our podiatrists and orthopaedic specialists can provide the care and treatment necessary to keep you running comfortably.

We offer various services, including custom orthotics and footwear recommendations, to help address the specific needs of flat-foot runners. With our expertise, you can continue pursuing your passion for running without letting flat feet hold you back.


So don’t let concerns over flat feet keep you from reaching your full potential as a runner. Contact us at Xtremity today to schedule an appointment and get the expert care you need.

 

Testimonial Case Study

Posted on by Xtremity Admin

Introduction

Mrs. & Mr. Abdulaziz Yaqoob Mohammad Al Shehhi were first-time parents staying in Abu Dabi. They were very excited and happy parents until they noticed that the child had a flat head. Mrs. Al Shehhi was aware of flathead cases in young children but never thought it could happen to her child. 

It’s common to observe a baby’s head a little misshaped or lopsided due to the pressure of resting in the same position for longer. The misshaped head could be due to a positional skull deformity or an uncommon but more serious condition called craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition in which the bones in a baby’s skull join too early. 

Consulting with a specialist can only help determine the cause of the baby’s head shape deformity. 

 

 

Problem

Mrs. Al Shehhi observed a non-symmetrical head shape of her baby at the age of 3 months. She initially thought it might be positional due to lying on one side of the head for longer. But she felt the need to get it checked and be sure about it. 

She visited almost 5 hospitals and consulted 6 doctors in Abu Dhabi, hoping to find an assuring solution, but in vain. All the doctors told her that this condition would get cured by itself and she needed no action. But somewhere, she disagreed with their approach and response. A thought kept provoking her, “what is the guarantee that the misshaped head will be fixed by itself? What if it doesn’t?”

She continued her research to gather more information. She came across a comment written by a 20+ year young man. He said, “I blame my parents for not treating my flat head.” It was heartbreaking for her as a parent, as she decided to find the right specialist to help her. She searched for centers for Head Orthosis in Dubai. She found out about head orthosis in Dubai and met orthotist Rahul Kashyap at Xtremity Clinic.

Diagnosis

Mrs. Al Shehhi found out that Xtremity Prosthetics and Orthotics centre is a specialized health clinic in Dubai providing paediatric treatment and care for children.

After consulting our doctors and learning about his treatment approach, she felt much relieved. They used the latest technology in 3D printing and CAD-based techniques for assessment.  

She said, “Mr. Rahul was very courteous, and he even agreed to visit my place in Abu Dhabi to get a better scan of the baby’s head. After checking the scans, we were informed that our baby could benefit from the cranial helmet treatment. I was happy to hear that but got worried at the same time. I had never seen anyone in the UAE wearing a Cranial helmet. Doctors at Xtremity allowed us to take time to think and decide. To treat the structural deformity of our child, we decided to go for the treatment.” 

Treatment

Our doctors suggested Helmet therapy to Mrs. & Mr. Al Shehhi. He informed, “Moulding helmets work by re-shaping the baby’s head and can correct moderate to severe head flattening. For head orthosis in Dubai at Xtremity, these helmets are tailor-made after doing detailed 3D scans and fitted by a specialist. It is neither painful nor uncomfortable for your baby. The treatment duration varies based on your baby’s needs, but the average treatment is 3 months”.

She agreed with Mr. Rahul and ordered the helmet. She said, “Our baby started wearing the helmet in May 2022. The process was smooth for the baby and us. The treatment got over now, and his head shape has improved. The Xtremity clinic team asked us to visit them again after 3 months to assess my son’s head.”

 

Cranial helmet therapy is an effective way to correct the shape of babies’ skulls gradually. As the skull of newborn babies has soft plates with spaces between them, wearing a customised cranial helmet help in correction. It’s better to take the treatment earlier than later, as, with baby growth, these plates gradually harden and knit together.

With the baby sleeping in the same position, the soft plates cause a flat level or uneven shape. This condition is termed plagiocephaly, and is not dangerous to your baby’s brain. 

Results

Mrs. & Mr. Al Shehhi are pleased with the head ostosis treatment process and the result. The baby was not annoyed during the whole process. They are satisfied parents and proud to take this decision. 

Afterword

Mrs. Al Shehhi said, “A big thanks to Mr. Rahul & team, and the whole Xtremity staff for the great support in the clinic and communication via WhatsApp. They were always available and did as many scans as required for the perfect fitting. When the first one got tight, they were kind enough to provide us with a second helmet without any additional charges. This is a life-changing, truly it is.”

She also insisted on opening a branch of Xtremity in Abu Dhabi.

 

About Xtremity Clinic


At Xtremity clinic in Dubai, the practising orthotics hold certification and training in cranial remoulding orthosis and make an effective, thorough evaluation. They perform a 3D scan and configure the most favourable design for your child. At Xtremity, they use the best human measurement 3D scanner, which precisely captures the current head shape and size. 

Contact Xtremity for your paediatric orthotics and prosthetics rehabilitation requirements.

4 Things To Keep In Mind While Deciding For Best Prosthetics

Posted on by Xtremity Admin

When a limb, like a hand or a leg, is amputated or lost, a prosthesis plays an important role in its rehabilitation. For many people, an artificial limb improves mobility and the ability to manage daily activities and be independent.

Choosing a prosthesis is an important decision you should take with the guidance of your surgeon or prosthetist. This article will discuss the most important things to consider when choosing a prosthesis.

Form or function

Everyone has different priorities. Some people love to exercise and can’t live without it. Others want the best prosthetics to replicate the look of a natural human limb as much as possible.

For example, a prosthetic leg that we may offer for running sprints may not work with high heels or dress shoes. For some people, both factors are a priority, and they choose to have multiple prosthetics to enable a lifestyle of their choice.

Level of amputation

The severity of amputation affects the factors to consider when choosing a prosthetic. For instance, joint movement may not be important if you had a below-the-knee amputation, but it might be essential if you had an above-the-knee amputation. As you might expect, the same can be said for below-the-elbow and above-the-elbow amputations

The cost

Fortunately, most insurance providers cover the prosthesis you might need. However, each plan (and the amount of coverage) is different, so it’s important to talk with your prosthetist to determine the costs involved. Once that has been worked out, you can then consider what costs you will have to pay for the type of prosthesis you want.

Finding the right prosthetist in Dubai

Finding the best prosthetic leg or hand provider is essential when choosing a prosthesis. A good prosthetist can guide you with the right options that can help enable the lifestyle you want.

And here’s why you can consider Xtremity as your trusted prosthetics provider in Dubai:

  • We specialize in 3D-printed custom prosthetics that improve function without causing pain.
  • Our reviews and testimonials reflect that our patients are more than happy with our work.
  • We have the most qualified and experienced staff to handle complex prosthetic requirements.


 

Contact us to set up your appointment. We’d love to meet you, discuss your needs, and work together to help you get the best prosthetic leg or arm in Dubai.

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