What causes flat feet?

Summary

Flat feet are often caused by hypermobility of the Tais bone in the foot, leading to misalignment and a flat arch when weight is applied. This condition can result in various pain issues, including ankle, knee, hip, and back pain, due to the alignment disruption affecting the kinetic chain. Early treatment is recommended to prevent potential long-term complications like arthritis. Dr. Thomas Goldman, a podiatrist at Mount Sinai, emphasizes the importance of addressing flat feet and offers his services for consultations throughout the week.

Takeaways

• 🦶 Flat feet are often caused by hypermobility and misalignment of the Tais bone in the foot.
• 🪨 The Tais bone acts like a central stone in a bridge; if it moves out of position, the foot structure collapses.
• 🚶‍♂️ Ambulation causes the Tais bone to migrate forward, leading to an unlocked midfoot and flat foot.
• 💡 It's important to treat flat feet to avoid complications such as ankle, knee, hip, and back pain.
• ⚖️ Misalignment of the foot can lead to overall joint misalignment in the body.
• 🩺 Untreated flat feet may contribute to premature arthritis and various joint pains in the kinetic chain.
• 🏥 Dr. Thomas Goldman is a podiatrist at Mount Sinai, specializing in foot conditions.
• 📅 Appointments with Dr. Goldman can be scheduled Monday through Friday at Mount Sinai.
• 🔍 Understanding the mechanics of flat feet is crucial for prevention and treatment.
• 🔧 There are various treatment options available for individuals suffering from flat feet.

Q & A

What causes flat feet according to Dr. Goldman?

Flat feet are typically caused by a hypermobile Tais bone inside the foot, which comes out of alignment.

How does the Tais bone function in relation to flat feet?

The Tais bone acts like a central stone in a bridge; if it moves forward during weight-bearing, it causes the midfoot to unlock, leading to a flat foot.

What analogy does Dr. Goldman use to explain the impact of the Tais bone?

He compares it to a stone bridge, where removing a central stone causes the bridge to collapse, similar to how the Tais bone's movement affects foot structure.

What are the potential consequences of untreated flat feet?

Untreated flat feet can lead to ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, back pain, and may contribute to premature arthritis due to misalignment.

How does flat feet affect the kinetic chain of the body?

If the base (feet) is out of alignment, it can cause misalignments in other joints up the kinetic chain, leading to various joint pains.

Who is Dr. Thomas Goldman?

Dr. Thomas Goldman is a podiatrist working with Mount Sinai doctors.

What should someone do if they want to make an appointment with Dr. Goldman?

They can reach out to the Mount Sinai doctor's office to schedule an appointment, which is available Monday through Friday.

What is the importance of treating flat feet?

Treating flat feet is important to prevent additional complications such as joint pain and arthritis.

Can flat feet lead to issues beyond the feet?

Yes, flat feet can lead to problems with the ankles, knees, hips, and back due to altered body mechanics.

What professional recommendations does Dr. Goldman provide for flat foot treatment?

Dr. Goldman suggests that it is advisable to seek treatment for flat feet to avoid future health issues.