If Plantar Fasciitis is left untreated, it may become a chronic condition and treatment will become far more difficult. Also, Plantar Fasciitis sufferers tend to avoid putting weight on the sore heel and will try to walk on the forefoot in order to avoid pressure on the heel. With this abnormal walking pattern one could easily develop problems in the knees, hips or back. Plantar Fasciitis is Latin for inflammation of the Plantar Fascia. This inflammation occurs at the point where the fascia attaches to the calcaneus (also known as the heel bone). As it has already been mentioned, many people with flat feet do not feel any discomfort. However, in case one suffers from any of the flat feet problems discussed in the article, proper medical attention is necessary. Be it in children or in grown ups, timely treatment for flat feet complications can reduce the inconvenience as well as the complications due to flat feet. In the lower leg, active people with flat feet may experience shin splints. The condition occurs when the lack of an arch causes inflammation in the bones of the lower leg. Excessive pain in the shin can be caused by flexion and extension of the foot. Peter Van Dyke is a Dutch foot specialist and orthotist with a special interest in heel pain , heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and orthotics. He gives advice on effective remedies to help relieve aching feet and prevent further problems. He also works closely with a number of large orthotics manufacturers in Europe, the USA and Australia. The cause of flat feet is related to the tissues and bones in your feet and lower legs In babies and toddlers, the condition is normal because it takes time for the tendons to tighten and form an arch. In rare cases, the bones in children�s feet become fused, causing pain. Achilles tendon is the essential tendon for activities such as walking and running. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bones resulting in the action of rising up on your toes. There is another tendon, known as posterior tibial tendon that joins the muscles of the calf to the base of the foot. Trail running shoes - These shoes are designed to make off-road walking and running a pain-free and comfortable experience. They have outsoles which offer stability and protection to the bottom of your feet. Have two types of running shoes - By wearing different running shoes on alternating days you will give your feet a break. Bunions are another issue that comes with wearing footwear that's too tight. A bunion is a bony bump that appears when the big toe crowds against the other toes. This forces the big toe joint in the opposite direction, pushing on the second toe and beyond. Bunion pain can be debilitating and keep you from walking normally. Treatments include switching to more comfortable shoes, adding padding around the bunion, cortisone injections, over the counter painkillers and surgery in extreme situations. Uric acid is produced by breaking the purines in the food. Purine free diet is suggested to avoid gout. Alcohol should also be avoided. Supports bought over the internet or in a drugstore don't take into account your personal foot makeup. Your shoe size is not your arch size. Two people can both wear a size 9 shoe, but have dramatically different needs in arch supports. When you go to a custom fit arch support specialist, remember to bring in the shoes you wear the most. Most flat feet are flexible. This type does not cause problems and does not require treatment. Rigid flat feet can cause problems and are best treated. Flat feet of a child are usually expected to develop into high or proper arches, as shown by feet of the mother. If you are prone to over-pronate you need to pay attention when exercising to any foot pain and be sure to warm up and cool down appropriately before and after playing any sport. This can help to reduce the chances of developing foot problems. Ready made inserts cause imbalances in your foot in and of themselves. Podiatrists and Physicians know this and you owe it to yourself to see if your foot pain problem requires orthonics, which are insoles molded from a plaster cast of both feet, and are necessary for both feet even if you are having foot problems in just one foot. When you do have pain in your arch, it could be a warning sign of fallen arches or flat feet. Although this painful foot condition is generally not a serious problem in and of itself, other physical problems may develop over time as a result. Also, overworking one's arch can also cause leg cramps and even low back pain. Keep in mind that the arch itself serves as a shock absorber for your knees, back, and even the rest of your body. Without this natural shock absorption, the everyday daily pounding being transmitted up through your entire body can have a deleterious affect over time. Symptoms - Pain that feels like a stone bruise. Swelling, tingling, and burning in the ball of the foot. Neuroma is a nerve inflammation that is a result of the fallen metatarsal arch. Cause - Pain is caused by collapsing of the metatarsal arch. A callus will often develop beneath the collapsed metatarsal. Runners with high arches are susceptible. You are not alone with your foot problem. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons report that 5 percent of US adults have painful flatfeet and fallen arches Your doctor may be able to diagnose your fallen arches just by looking at them. Flat feet are often hereditary. Arch pain may also be caused by wearing shoes with inadequate support, standing or walking for long periods of time in high heels, or overuse of the feet during work or sports. Being overweight also places additional stress on the feet, especially the arches. Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some point during their life. Some times back pain is limited to just the back and other times it can result in pain traveling down one or both of the legs. I�d love to hear your thoughts on flat feet and a barefoot existence. Hit me up with a comment. Thanks for reading, everyone!