Are there any benefits to flat feet?

For years, the flat-footed have been warned that their lives would be plagued with pain and injury and doctors have tried using surgery and braces to correct the “deformity.” But after decades of derision, new research is showing that flat feet are perfectly functional and may even be an advantage in sports.

Can flat feet be service connected?

Flat Feet (Pes Planus) Standing for extended periods and activities such as running can often trigger symptoms of pes planus. This is why flat feet can be directly connected as a service-related disability.

Can flat feet be corrected?

Sometimes physical therapy can be used to correct flat feet if they’re the result of overuse injuries or poor form or technique. Usually, surgery isn’t needed for flat feet unless they’re caused a bone deformity or a tendon tear or rupture.

Are you born with flat feet?

Everyone has flat feet at birth. By age 6, arches typically form. Sometimes, flat feet (or fallen arches) appear during the teen or adult years. You may have pain and difficulty walking.

What are the disadvantages of flat feet?

Some issues caused by flat feet include:

• Inflammation of soft tissue.
• Foot, arch, and leg fatigue.
• Heel, foot, and ankle pain.
• Knee, hip, and lower back pain.
• Rolled-in ankles.
• Abnormal walking patterns.
• Shin splints.
• Bunions.

Does having flat feet make you slower?

Again, it may not slow you down, but it can lead to strained arches–an injury commonly known as Plantar Fasciitis–and also to shin splints. However, as long as you have no symptoms of injury, you should not worry too much about it.

What are the disadvantages of having flat feet?

How do you prove flat feet is service connected?

For a Veteran to get pes planus service-connected, just like any other VA disability, they must prove three things to the VA.

1. A Veteran must have a current medical diagnosis for flat feet.
2. An in-service event or injury.
3. A medical nexus connecting the condition to military service.

What are the problems associated with flat feet?

The most identifiable symptoms and characteristics of flat feet are the decrease or lack of arches in your feet (especially when weight bearing) and pain / fatigue along the inner side of your feet and arches. Some issues caused by flat feet include: Inflammation of soft tissue. Foot, arch, and leg fatigue.

How can I permanently fix my flat feet?

Treatment

1. Arch supports (orthotic devices). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet.
2. Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon.
3. Supportive shoes.
4. Physical therapy.

Can a person with flat feet serve in the military?

The short answer is yes, you can. Flat feet is no longer a disqualifying condition for military enlistment, provided that the enlistee does not show symptomatic flat feet. In short, this essentially means that if you are showing detrimental symptoms, you could be barred from enlisting in the military.

How old do you have to be to have flat feet?

In fact, most infants start off with flat feet, and then gradually develop an arch by the age of 4 – 5. (Reference: 3) Genetics: If one (or both) of your parents had flat feet, then there’s a good chance you will develop them as well.

What does it mean to have flat feet?

Flat Feet ( Pes planus) is a condition characterized by a postural deformity where the arches of the foot are collapsed. (Reference: 2) It is estimated that about 25% of the general population suffer from this condition, however, it is not considered life-threatening. What Causes Flat Feet?

Can a medical condition Keep you from joining the military?

They will tell you whether your condition can be waived, or if it is permanently disqualifying. Remember that if you do not get an official waiver and your condition is later discovered, you will most likely be dishonorably discharged for fraudulent enlistment. The choice is yours. The following conditions may disqualify you for military service:

Do flat feet disqualify you from military service?

The short answer is yes, you can. Flat feet is no longer a disqualifying condition for military enlistment, provided that the enlistee does not show symptomatic flat feet. In short, this essentially means that if you are showing detrimental symptoms, you could be barred from enlisting in the military.

Can flat feet keep you out of the military?

Someone who has flat feet can serve in the military, although it depends on the severity of a person’s condition, and there are certain instances in which having flat feet will keep someone out of the military. A person has flat feet when the arches of his feet flatten out rather than remain arched.

Can you join army if you are flat footed?

If you only wear basic inserts in day-to-day life, you may still be able to join the army. This is generally considered a mild degree of being flat footed. Orthopedic and prescription supports are more of an issue. Flat feet that need this level of support are often seen as high risk for other foot and leg problems.

Can you get drafted if you have flat feet?

DRAFT EXEMPTIONS COULD INCLUDE FLAT FEET, ASTHMA. When it comes to avoiding the draft, flat feet are still effective. Bunions, severe eye infections, bum knees and asthma also could exempt young men from military service, said Defense Department spokeswoman Susan Hansen.