How to determine if you have flat feet
We have compiled a list of home tests you can take to determine if you have flat feet. Afterall, if you’re experiencing foot pain, this could be the culprit.
FOOTPRINT TEST:
You can determine if you have flat foot by examining your footprint. The next time you go to the beach or swimming pool, check your footprint.
If you have feet with normal to high arches, the front of the foot, the ball and toes, will all be combined to the heel by a strip that appears on the outside of your foot. There are two differences between normal and a high arch. A normal arch, the strip as mentioned previously, is about half the width of the front of your foot. If you have a high arch, a think stip only will connect the front of the foot to the heel.
If you have fallen arches, then the strip is the same width as the front of the foot. Therefore, creating a footprint that looks like a stretched out pancake.
SHOE EVALUATION:
Another test to determine if you have flatfoot is a shoe evaluation. Start off by placing your shoes on a flat surface, such as a table, make sure you are able to view them at eye level from behind. Check to see if the sole of your shoe is worn evenly.
If you have flat foot, you will notice more wear on the inside of the sole, particularly around the heel area. This wear will easily cause your shoe to rock from side to side. Another shoe sign of flat feet, is also if your shoe’s upper half leans inward over the sole.
TOO MANY TOES:
No, we don’t mean you have more than 5 toes! Try this next test out to determine if you have a flat foot. You will need a mirror for this exercise if you do not have someone with you who can stand behind you.
Start off by standing with your feet parallel. If you have someone with you who can help with this test, have them stand behind you. If you do not, stand with your back to a mirror.
Typically, the only toe which should be visible from behind is the pinky toe. If one of your feet are flatter than the other, you will be able to see the 3rd or 4th toe.
TIPTOES TEST:
By now, you should have determined if one or both of your feet are flat. The next test is the tiptoes test. This test will determine if you have flexible flat feet, which normally will cause fewer issues.
Now, to perform the tiptoes test, start on your toes like a ballerina. If a visible arch forms and you have already determined from one of the above tests that you do in fact have some sort of flat feet, you have flexible flat feet.
MEDICAL TEST:
Now the next step, after determining which type of flat feet you are experiencing. Therefore, talk to a foor specialist, such as a podiatrist. Who can recommend an MRI to check your tendons, A CT scan to examine the bones or an X-Ray of your feet.
Call 954-906-9272 to schedule an evaluation.