There are millions of people worldwide that are affected by flat feet. They can be a disqualifying condition for people who are interested in joining the military if the symptoms of flat feet are noticeable and present. Some symptoms can include pain in the arch or heel, and the ankles being swollen. Most babies are born with flat feet and the arch typically develops during the teenage years. People who never develop an arch may have no symptoms, or in the opposite case, symptoms may be obvious. These can consist of tiring easily, limited range of foot movement, and there may be a pain in the feet after walking or running. An effective method to determine if you have flat feet involves standing on your tiptoes and looking for an arch in the foot. Doing so may indicate a low arch or the arch may be nonexistent. Some patients perform foot exercises that help flat feet from being achy. If you would like to learn more about exercises and treatments for flat feet, please consult with a podiatrist.
Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.
Conditions & Problems:
Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.
Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.
Symptoms
Pain around the heel or arch area
Trouble standing on the tip toe
Swelling around the inside of the ankle
Flat look to one or both feet
Having your shoes feel uneven when worn
Treatment
If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle.
If you have any questions please feel free to contactour offices located in Cypressand Houston, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Contrary to popular belief, having flat feet does not automatically disqualify you from joining the military. Each branch of the military has its own set of medical requirements, and the severity of your flat feet will determine whether you are eligible for service.
In the past, military enlistment was not permitted for people with flat feet, but that policy has recently been changed. People who have this condition are allowed to enter the military, providing there are no obvious symptoms.
Why are flat feet an issue for the Army? They are an issue as the army can potentially be a very physical and demanding job on the body. Your feet can have a large impact on this as they play a vital role in supporting the body through actions such as running.
Yes, the VA does consider flat feet to be a disability. To qualify for flat feet VA disability benefits, you must prove that you have been diagnosed with pes planus, bilateral pes planus, or pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and establish that an in-service incident or stressor was the cause of your condition.
PES PLANUS MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE AND TREATMENT WITH SIMPLE ARCH SUPPORT. Prior to the declaration of war, the degree of pes planus was of prime importance in determining the pedal physical qualifications for military service.
Disqualifications at MEPS can include illegal drug use, alcohol dependence, not meeting the height/weight requirements, having certain contagious diseases, and more. Law violations can also prevent you from enlisting, such as being convicted of a crime that prohibits you from carrying a firearm.
Your body's balance begins in the feet; when the feet do not provide proper support, it can raise your risk for joint problems caused by poor posture and unnatural gait. Individuals with flat feet could be more likely to experience injury or pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or hips.
Army: Previously, the Army disqualified individuals with flat feet. However, in 2016, this policy changed. Now, flat feet are only disqualifying if they cause pain, impair function, or affect an individual's ability to meet physical fitness standards.
Causes. The causes of flat feet are varied. Some inherit the condition from their parents as an isolated trait, this is particularly true for children with hypermobility or “double jointed”. Others develop flat feet as part of another genetic condition.
Children with ADHD had a significantly greater tendency of flatfoot compared to typically developing peers. Besides, the deterioration of the foot structure of children with ADHD was associated with disease severity.
You're more likely to have flat feet if the condition runs in your family. If you're highly athletic and physically active, your risk is higher due to the possibility of foot and ankle injuries. Older people who are prone to falls or physical injury are also more at risk.
Despite the many disadvantages, it might be the case that some incidences of flat feet could improve the absorption of shocks. If you are a swimmer, flat feet may also be very helpful because they can act as a kind of flipper. Flat feet, of course, are not entirely advantageous.
Here are a few of our favorite stretching exercises to try: Arch Lifts – While standing, carefully raise and lower your arches with your feet flat on the floor. Heel Lifts – While standing, raise and lower your heels one at a time.
No…you can not join the Marines or any branch with a broken leg bone or any broken bone. The military obtains your medical records from the time you were born when you sign up and you also have to go through a very thorough medical exam at MEPS as well.
Even the highest level of aviation medical examination, the Class One medical which airline and most other professional pilots need has no restrictions if you have flat feet.
Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771
Phone: +337636892828
Job: Lead Hospitality Designer
Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching
Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
