Recognizing the Effects of Splayfoot

13 Oct, 2024

Recognizing the Effects of Splayfoot

Imagine sliding your foot into your favorite pair of shoes only to find them suddenly too tight. You may even notice that your foot looks wider and flatter than before. If that sounds familiar, you could be experiencing splayfoot. This is a common condition where the front part of your foot spreads out more than usual due to a flattening of the arch across the ball of your foot.

Splayfoot can sneak up on you, often going unnoticed until it begins to affect your daily activities. However, you can take steps to prevent further discomfort. In this brief article brought to you by Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists, we take a closer look at what splayfoot is, what causes it, and how you can manage the condition to continue enjoying life.

If you’d rather consult with a licensed podiatrist, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a convenient appointment. We’re also happy to arrange a walk-in if you can come into our clinic early in the morning.

What is Splayfoot?

Splayfoot happens when the transverse arch running across the ball of the foot collapses or flattens. As this arch weakens, the metatarsal bones in the front part of your foot spread apart and leads to a broader, flatter shape. This may seem like just a cosmetic issue, but the wider foot shape can result in pain, discomfort, and difficulty fitting into your shoes.

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While the condition is not life-threatening, it can certainly affect your quality of life. People with splayfoot often experience symptoms like pain in the ball of the foot, calluses, and difficulty walking.

Causes of Splayfoot

Splayfoot can develop due to several factors and understanding them can help you prevent or manage the condition more effectively. Some causes include:

Weak foot muscles,
Poor footwear,
Genetics
Aging, and
Obesity.

Effects on everyday life

Splayfoot is more than about aesthetics; it can significantly impact your daily life if left unchecked. As your foot becomes wider and flatter, you may struggle to find shoes that fit comfortably. Plus, calluses and corns can develop due to the increased friction and pressure on the widened forefoot. These can become painful and make it even harder to stay on your feet.

Treatment options for Splayfoot

Splayfoot may be common, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to live with indefinitely. The good news is that splayfoot can be managed and treated with a variety of options. Here are some approaches a foot specialist may take:

Switching to proper footwear with a wide toe box, good arch support, and adequate cushioning to relieve pressure on your foot.
Custom orthotics designed specifically for your foot shape.
Simple exercises like toe curls, marble pickups, and calf stretches.
Foot care, such as applying padding or tape to the affected area.

Finally, severe cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief may call for surgical intervention. This is typically a last resort and would involve realigning the bones or tendons in the foot.

Consult with a foot doctor

If you still have questions and concerns to share with a licensed foot doctor, then call Mid Penn Foot & Ankle Specialists to schedule a convenient appointment. We can also arrange a walk-in for as soon as possible if you can come into our clinic early in the morning.