Feet Flat

Symptoms

Normally, feet are not flat but slightly arched. The arch functions as a shock absorber for the body, especially the knees and the back. Ailing, flat feet will affect the rest of the body’s skeletal system. The best way to determine flat feet is to look at a foot imprint. All the toes, the balls and heels of the feet should show, as should the very edge of the outside instep of the foot: the inside instep should not be visible. Other possible signs are easily tiring feet and legs, and burning soles. The muscles of the thighs and lower back are also affected by flat feet. Aching feet and legs are caused by a poor venous system or nerve inflammation common in diabetics. Arthritis in the foot joints is often the long-term consequence of flat feet.

Causes

In children, flat feet are often a sign of calcium, silica and vitamin D deficiency. In adults, a combination of causes and habits leads to the falling of arches. Standing for long periods of time is a terrible strain on the foot muscles, whereas walking allows a variety of muscles to be used alternatively. Uncomfortable shoes with thin soles, or shoes that are too high or too flat, without insoles and worn repeatedly, will also strain the feet, especially if these shoes are used for long walks or standing periods.

Carrying excess weight will overburden the feet. Failing to alternately rest the feet and give them a good workout by walking barefoot at home or in the summer aggravates the problem. Walking barefoot in sand is very healthy since all the muscles in the feet are needed, but it should be done moderately, as flat feet are more easily overstrained than healthy ones.

Nutrition

Rich in silica and prepared as a porridge or Swiss muesli, fresh, soaked rolled oats with almonds, hazelnuts, grated apple and milk will help strengthen bones, ligaments and muscles. Emphasize fresh vegetables and avoid sugar, refined foods and animal fat. Include flax seed, walnut or pumpkin seed oil in your daily menu, since the essential fatty acids these oils provide actually help burn fat. Fish oil also has a beneficial effect on the removal of fat deposits.

It is not necessary to eat large amounts of protein to build muscle. Large amounts of protein, especially from acid-forming red meat, can cause the body to deplete calcium and magnesium from the bones. Muscle building requires energy provided by complex carbohydrate foods such as whole grains, a moderate amount of protein (preferably from plants or fish) combined with vegetables and fruits which provide the trace minerals needed for protein utilization. Vitamin E, found in wheat germ and avocados, also promotes muscle building.

Nutritional Supplements

In adults in particular, the problem of flat feet is usually due to muscles and ligaments sluggish from overuse, and from abuse of the foot structure. Children suffering from flat feet should increase their intake of calcium, silica and vitamin D, preferably through an improved overall diet. For children over three years of age, reduce adult dosages in half.

Daily dosages:

Calcium, 800 mg

Silica, 500 mg

Vitamin D, 400 IU

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are not applicable for treating flat feet.

Tissue Salts

For relief of specific symptoms, see appropriate sections, including arthritis, muscles (aching) and pain.

External/Physical Therapies

Wear loose, comfortable, soft leather shoes or sandals only. Do not wear high heels.

Walk barefoot on a sandy beach or on round pebbles to exercise the muscles of the feet.

In some cases, it helps to wear foam or plastic insoles to help support the fallen arch of the foot.

Warm, alternating foot baths and hot Epsom salt baths followed by massages with a balsamic foot cream help to relax the foot muscles and relieve the pain.

After a few weeks or even months of resting and not abusing the feet with badly fitting shoes and overstraining, start slowly with a regular routine of foot exercises supervised by a podiatrist or physiotherapist.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)