What is flat foot or flat feet?

It is a very common condition where the arches of the feet are flattened when pressure is put upon them.

What are plantar arches?

These plantar arches are formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones. They are like arches of a bridge and are supported by the ligaments and tendons in the foot.

What are the causes of flat foot/flat feet?

• Since birth
• Ageing
• Overweight

Should you seek treatment if flat feet present without pain or discomfort?

• Painless or symptomless flat feet do not require any treatment.
• If there is pain that limits your activities and sports then it needs treatment.

What are the risk factors for flat feet?

• Obesity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ageing
• High-impact sports
• Occupation involving prolonged standing or walking

What are the complications of painful flat feet?

• Chronic pain 
• Chronic instability
• Lack of confidence
• Reduced mobility affecting quality of life
• Change in gait
• Knee pain

What things can be tried for prevention?

• Reduce body weight if you are overnight for a particular sport or activity. 
• Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility.
• Practice stability training, including balance exercises.
• Maintain the habit of warming up before you exercise or do sports.
• Wear well-fitting shoes. Avoid narrow-tipped tight-fitting
• Avoid using high-heeled footwear.

What treatment is provided for painful flat feet at BILD Exercise Clinic?

One or more of the following modalities can be incorporated into your treatment plan after the acute phase is over.

• COLDTUB Cold water immersion
• Mobilization
• Support
• Exercises for strength
• Exercises for stability and balancing 
• Exercises for mobility 

What happens during consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• The doctor will examine the patient.
• A detailed history regarding the onset and progression of the disease will be noted.
• A record of previous treatments tried will be noted.
• Previous reports (if any) such as MRI, and X-rays will also be seen and discussed.

Is it necessary to have any investigations done before coming for consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• No it is not compulsory.
• If you have already done any investigations related to ankle issues then you can bring the reports with you.

What questions to expect from your doctor

Doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Where exactly does it hurt?
• Since when have you had this problem?
• What was the trigger or nature of injury (if applicable) for the beginning of pain
• How would you describe the pain — dull, sharp, burning?
• What are the previous treatment modalities tried by you?
• What makes the pain worse? What makes the pain better?
• How does the pain affect your sleep and life?

How to prepare for your consultation with the doctor?

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Don’t consume painkillers (at least 12 hours before) while coming for consultation. Painkillers mask the symptoms and interfere with understanding of symptoms.
• Bring all the previous reports, investigations, and medication prescriptions. It is NOT necessary to have investigations or tests to be done before.
• Write down all your questions on paper or on a mobile phone that you want to ask the doctor.
• It is always useful to bring a companion with you during consultation.

What are the goals of the exercise treatment at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Decrease pain and stiffness.
• Improve joint stability and muscle strength.
• Delay or reverse further progression of symptoms.
• Improve joint mobility and function.
• Improve quality of life.

As with any medical or exercise intervention the outcome varies from patient to patient.

Which technology might be used (as per the need) at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Strength training equipment (MATRIX, USA and others)
• Anti-gravity treadmill (NASA, USA)
• COLDTUB (USA)
• Robotic Isokinetic Strength Training machine (KINEO, ITALY)
• Balance stimulating equipment
• Resistance bands
• Cardio equipment such as cycle, elliptical, versa climber, Jacobs ladder etc.

The selection of technology and exercise protocol is determined by the doctor.

What kind of treatment is NOT offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Painkillers or Anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin supplements
• Ointments and creams of any kind
• Any other pharmacological/drug treatment
• Hormonal Therapy or injectables of any kind
• Intra-joint injections of any kind
• Surgery of any kind

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.