Flat Feet and the Role of Muscular System in Arch Support - Iron Health Physical Therapy & Cryotherapy
Joseph Rendina

"Receive Regular Health Tips from the Iron Health Team..."

Use the Form Below to Get Them All Sent to You for FREE

Flat Feet and the Role of Muscular System in Arch Support

Samantha Stadt |

The Importance of Strengthening Foot and Ankle Musculature for Arch Control

Pes planus is a condition characterized by a low or non-existent arch at the inside of the foot. For some individuals pes planus may be primarily structural, present from a young age and carrying through into adulthood. For others, pes planus can develop secondary to trauma to the foot or nervous system or onset gradually due to overuse with faulty biomechanics, muscle imbalance and/or weakness. Some people with pes planus or “flat feet” are completely asymptomatic, while others experience pain or dysfunction locally at the foot and/or up the chain at the knees, hips, or back.

Building Functional Strength From the Ground up

The medial longitudinal arch of the foot is created by several bony structures shaped to create an arch with support of ligaments, connective tissues and muscles. The ligaments and connective tissues of the foot provide passive support, while the muscular system can provide more dynamic support for the foot during standing, walking, and other activities. These muscles and their corresponding tendons are involved in supporting the arch: posterior tibialis, anterior tibialis, toe flexors, peroneus longus and intrinsic foot musculature (ie: the small stabilizing muscles deep in the foot). These muscles are responsible for various actions at the ankle and foot and are perfect targets for strengthening to help build up the arch’s support system.

Foot Diagram

Disclaimer: If you continue to experience unbearable, reoccurring pain, be sure to schedule an appointment with your physician or join our physical therapy family and allow us to help you regain function.

Iron Health is located in Briarcliff Manor and the greater Westchester NY area; our neighboring towns include Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Tarrytown, Irvington and Pleasantville.

If you have any questions, fill out a Discovery Session form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

OR

If you have any questions, fill out a short form by clicking the button below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Inquire About Cost and AvailabilityClick Here »
Samantha Stadt

Samantha Stadt

Staff Physical Therapist
Samantha earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College in 2010 and then her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from New York Medical College in 2015. She has been a licensed physical therapist since 2015 and has enjoyed working with an active orthopedic population with an emphasis on manual therapy and exercise prescription. While working as a PT on the west coast she pursued continuing education to hone her skills. She completed an orthopedic manual physical therapy residency and fellowship program through The Ola Grimsby Institute in Seattle, WA from 2016-2018, culminating in membership as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. She loves guiding people back to activity and empowering them to take control of their health, wellness, and fitness.