FAQs
Aysmtptomatic flat feet that do not impede physical function are allowed for military enlistment. Flat feet can be managed conservatively with supportive shoes or custom orhotics to alleviate and prevent pain or discomfort arising in the feet due to physical activities, such as walking or running.
Why won t the military accept flat feet? ›
Now, flat feet are only disqualifying if they cause pain, impair function, or affect an individual's ability to meet physical fitness standards. Navy: Similar to the Army, the Navy updated their policy in 2017. Flat feet are now only disqualifying if they cause pain, affect gait, or require special accommodations.
Why were flat footed people not drafted? ›
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.
Are flat feet a disability? ›
Can You Get VA Disability for Flat Feet? If you are a veteran with flatfoot, fallen arches, or flat feet, you may be wondering if it's possible to obtain VA disability compensation for your flat feet. The answer is yes, especially if you can connect your medical condition to service or even basic training.
Could you fight in ww2 with flat feet? ›
Initially, minor factors like number of teeth, poor eyesight, flat feet, and venereal disease could disqualify recruits.
Can flat feet be corrected? ›
Flat foot surgery typically involves the repair of loose tendons or realigning the bones in the foot. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may perform a combination of the following surgeries to treat flat feet: Arthrodesis: Arthrodesis is another name for joint fusion surgery.
Do they let flat footed people in the army? ›
Aysmtptomatic flat feet that do not impede physical function are allowed for military enlistment. Flat feet can be managed conservatively with supportive shoes or custom orhotics to alleviate and prevent pain or discomfort arising in the feet due to physical activities, such as walking or running.
What disqualifies you from the military? ›
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.
What is the best exercise for flat feet? ›
The best exercises for flat feet
- Walking barefoot. The first (and easiest) exercise to add to your routine is wandering around barefoot. ...
- Short foot. ...
- Arch lifts. ...
- Towel scrunches. ...
- Heel and toe walking. ...
- Tennis ball rolls. ...
- Hanging calf raises.
What are the disadvantages of being flat footed? ›
You may have flat feet and feel no pain or other symptoms, but you can also experience a range of uncomfortable issues, including:
- Pain in your arches.
- Inflammation.
- Noticeable flattening of your arches.
- Increased foot or ankle pain.
- Limited range of motion.
- Change in how you walk (gait)
- Leg cramps or muscle pain.
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.
Is flat feet linked to autism? ›
Also, the active area of pressure in the hindfoot was significantly lower for the autistic group than for the control group. Finally, the peak pressure had a lower percentage in the autistic group than in the control group. This is due to the characteristics of flat foot that are associated with autism.
What do flat feet indicate? ›
When people with flatfeet stand up, the feet point outward, and the entire soles of the feet fall and touch the floor. Flatfeet can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. It can also develop later in life after an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.
Is flat feet genetic? ›
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.
What is 4 F in the military? ›
4-F – Registrant not qualified for military service. 4-FM – Medical specialist not qualified for military service. 4-G – Sole surviving son – son or brothers in a family where the parent or sibling died as a result of US military service, or is in a captured or M.I.A. status, are exempt from service in peacetime.
What do flat feet look like? ›
Having flat feet, also known as flatfoot, is a condition where one or both feet have little to no arch. When you stand, the pads of the feet press into the ground. Typically, you can't see an arch in the foot, though sometimes the arch appears when you lift the foot.
How does the VA rate flat feet? ›
Flat foot is rated by the VA from 0 to 50 percent, based on the severity of your condition and whether the flat foot is mild or pronounced.
What disqualifies you from military? ›
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.
Is flat foot reconstruction surgery worth it? ›
Flat foot surgery can minimise pain, distribute weight more evenly when you walk or stand and improve your foot's alignment.