Is flat feet a disability?

Question

Im just wondering whether having Flat feet (or feet with no arches) is deemed as a disability? I have had this disability all my life and I cant walk very far with it so I would like to know if I will be able to qualify for a disabled sticker or is that only for people in wheelchairs ect...? What can I do to help me cope with this problem?

Answer 1

Flat feet, also called pes planus or fallen arches, is the condition in humans in which arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. In some individuals (an estimated 20-30% of the general population) the arch simply never develops in one foot (unilaterally) or both feet (bilaterally). Horses can also develop flat feet.
Most flexible flat feet are asymptomatic, not painful; in these cases there is no real cause for concern. Rigid flatfoot, a condition where the sole of the foot is rigidly flat even when a person is not standing, can be legitimate cause for concern, however. Other flatfoot-related conditions, such as various forms of tarsal coalition (two or more bones in the midfoot or hindfoot abnormally joined) or an accessory navicular (extra bone on the side of the foot) should be treated promptly, usually by the very early teen years, before a child's bone structure firms up permanently as a young adult. Both tarsal coalition and an accessory navicular can be confirmed by x-ray.
Treatment of flat feet may also be appropriate if there is associated foot or lower leg pain, or if the condition affects the knees or the back. Treatment may include using arch supports/orthotics, foot gymnastics or other exercises as recommended by a podiatrist or other physician. Surgery, while a last resort, can provide lasting relief, and even create an arch where none existed before.
Although frequently a cause of worry by anxious parents, who think the appearance of a flat foot is not "normal" in their developing child, a flat foot is well within the normal range of foot types. Any child who complains of foot pain should have his or her feet examined. Some argue, however, that rather than focusing on trying to get an arch to develop in the child's foot, it is far better encourage a healthy self-acceptance of being flatfooted, since a flat foot is still considered by some to be less than ideal. Functionally, one study showed the complete opposite: soldiers with a flexible flatfoot condition were actually less prone to injury than soldiers with a very high arch--because the flat, more pronating foot is more able to accommodate repeated or unusual pressure than a high arch, which is inherently a poor shock absorber. The high-arched soldiers had an appreciably higher incidence of stress fractures as a result of their inflexibly high arches. [citation needed]
Many of the fastest runners--including Olympic record-setters--have had totally flat feet with no arch at all. The choice of proper footwear, including stability or motion-control shoes, can be helpful, but other flatfooted Olympians have run the course barefooted. In fact, having a flat foot can result in somewhat less-efficient movement

Answer 2

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I wouldn't say, that having flat feet is a major disability. Having flat feet can cause an uneven gait, which puts pressure on your muscles, which in turn can cause knee problems and/or hip problems. You can have custom made insoles done, and that will help with the leg alignment. Your Orthopdeic Surgeon should refer you. Not sure if flat feet would affect your ankle or not. Im thinking probably.Having a scope done should solve that problem. For excercise, why don't you try swimming or working out in a pool. There's no extra pressure on your ankle if you're in the water Good luck

Answer 3

I totally agree that you might need a sticker. I have same problem. I have lots of orthotics (insoles) have been wearing them for years. Nothing really helps completely. I have had to give up a job because of it. I think there should be levels of disability sticker. I could sure use a disabled badge for shopping. I find parking stressful and have to park quite a way from the shops - Icould do with not having to walk really far.

Answer 4

No "Flat Feet" is not a disability it is very common it means you were born without the arch in your feet and unless your over weight and your feet and ankles start to hurt because you are flat footed then it just becomes a problem. To solve that problem stay off your feet less than usual, wear confortable shoes that are't flat or just watch your weight.

Answer 5

Although very uncomfortable , flat feet is not a disabling disability
I have had them all my life and have served in the ARMY and worked in positions where I was on my feet most of the time.

Answer 6

I too have flat feet or fallen arches and no it is not considered a dissability! You need to get insoles in your shoes, you can buy these from most supermarkets and pharmacies. If it is giving you so much trouble go and speak to your Doctor!

Answer 7

I don't know if you would qualify for a "handicapped" sticker for your car or not...or even if you can claim "disability" as far as work/compensation. I do know that the military considers flat feet enough of a disability that they won't accept you if you try and enlist!!!!!

Answer 8

in a way...your feet are the foundation of your spinal cord...flat feet throws off the knees, hips, back, all the way up to the cervical neck...it can cause discomfort for those who have to work on their feet or do a lot of physical work...orthotics may help and keeping weight down.

Answer 9

well the are if theyre attatched to my ex,he was my biggest disability even compared to my wheelchair hehe.all jokes aside if you have problems walking you can get a sticker u can if your diabetic n need access to loos hope this helps

Answer 10

I've never heard of that being the case - but flat feet does affect the back - as well so one needs to ensure they have the correct materials (such as insteps) to help them.