HEREDITARY FOOT PROBLEMS: 5 COMMON FOOT CONDITIONS THAT YOU MAY HAVE INHERITED OR PASSED DOWN, WHICH CAN AFFECT THE ENTIRE BODY

Just like other aspects of our bodies that we inherit from our parents, we also inherit the bone structure of our feet, along with any related problems or associated issues. This means you can thank your parents not only for traits such as your hair color, eye color, and height, but also for many of the foot and lower body issues you may experience.

Some of the common hereditary causes of foot problems seen and treated in our office by our team of sports medicine podiatry experts include:

Flatfeet

A flat foot or lower-than-normal arch in the foot can cause foot pain, fatigue, and balance issues.

High Arches

A high foot arch is one that is raised more than normal. With high arches, the feet do not roll inward (pronate), resulting in less surface area making contact with the ground. This decreases the foot's ability to absorb shock and puts excessive pressure on the ball and heel of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis 

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain often near the heel and on the bottom of the foot.

Bunions

A bony growth protruding from the joint at the base of the big toe, which can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking. It may also lead to further complications such as bursitis, metatarsalgia, and hammertoes.

Hammertoe

A condition in which the middle joint of a toe is bent, often resulting in pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty walking. Hammertoe can also lead to corns and calluses.

Genetics significantly influences the shape and structure of our feet. Some individuals inherit foot mechanics that increase the likelihood of certain conditions due to hereditary traits affecting how the bones, muscles, and joints in the foot are formed.

Because the feet are the foundation of the body, an imbalance, or even the slightest biomechanical shift, can affect the entire body and cause pain in multiple areas along the kinetic chain, including the ankles, legs, knees, hips, and back.

To schedule your comprehensive biomechanical evaluation, visit drleecohen.com or call our Sports Medicine Podiatry Center and book an appointment at our Cherry Hill, N.J., Sports Medicine Facility or Ridley Park, P.A. Office location with one of our podiatric sports medicine specialists today by calling (610) 522-9200.