Flat-Footed Teen Excels at Swimming

Flat-Footed Teen Excels at Swimming

C.J. Kopecki, of the South Florida Aquatic Club (SOFLO) surges ahead during the Boys 13-14 Division 200-yard butterfly event at the recent Florida Gold Coast 14-Under Junior Olympics in Coral Springs. Kopecki helped SOFLO win is fourth consecutive combined team championship. When C.J. Kopecki was 10 years old, he was planning on spending his adolescence playing soccer. Unfortunately he had flat feet, meaning that he wouldn’t be able to run as well as the rest of his teammates. He decided to try swimming instead, and now at age 14 he’s a valuable member of the South Florida Aquatic Club (SOFLO).

Kopecki recently came in third place in the 13-14 Division high-point standings in the Florida Gold Coast 14-Under Junior Olympics. "I decided to try it out,” he said. “I went to a practice and … got taught all of the strokes and learned to swim. I have loved it ever since then.”

Flat footedness is a painful condition that occurs when an individual has low arches. For questions about flat feet, call Dr. Michael Wynn of Foot Care Associates of Texas. Dr. Wynn can take a look at your lower extremities and give you advice about how to deal with your condition.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. Standing about 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arch never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.
Knees – if you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms:

- Pain around the heel or arch area
- Trouble standing on the tip toe.
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle.
- Flat look to one or both feet.
- Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment:

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. There are several ways to help treat this pain and help flat feet.

Barefoot- studies show that those who grew up going barefoot, wearing less closed-toe shoes have more of an arch.

For more information about Flat Feet, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office in Kingwood, TX. We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technologies to give you the best care options available.

Read more about Flat Feet.


This website includes materials that are protected by copyright, or other proprietary rights. Transmission or reproduction of protected items beyond that allowed by fair use, as defined in the copyright laws, requires the written permission of the copyright owners.