Pain in the lower legs and feet due to walking, jogging, or other physical activities may be due to a malady called flat feet, or Pes Planus. Flat feet are a condition in which the arches located on the inside of the foot may not fully form during childhood development. In others, the condition may result from fallen arches where the arch of the foot collapses. No matter what caused them, flat feet conditions may result in severe foot pain or ankle pain. In addition, several other medical issues may develop from flat feet that may require medical attention including therapy and surgery.
Calluses are an issue with many people, but people suffering from flat feet may have foot pain from calluses that form due to the constant rubbing of the foot against the inside of the shoe. Although there are shoes that address the issue of flat feet, ill-fitting footwear may also cause bunions to form. Due to the lack of an arch in the foot, pressure at the base of the great toe may cause the joint to enlarge, causing foot pain. Muscle weakness caused by flat feet may also allow toes to curl into a claw-like position referred to as hammertoe.
In addition to issues in the foot, the ankle and lower legs can be affected by flat feet and fallen arches. Tendinitis mainly affecting the Achilles tendon can cause ankle pain and foot pain. Swelling and inflammation of the tendon may require therapy and surgery to address the pain.
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.
Along with the conditions caused by flat feet, arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may cause flat feet. When this occurs people can experience pain in the foot along with narrowing of the joint space and degenerative bone disease. Flat feet and fallen arches may cause foot pain or ankle pain, but proper attention from a physician or surgeon may address the issue.
