Flat Feet

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet occur when the inner arches are flat enough to cause the bottom of the feet to come into contact with the floor. This is a common foot problem that can result in pain or other symptoms. Patients who do have symptoms can correct this problem in different ways to increase comfort.

What are the Signs of Flat Feet?

Flat feet can produce many symptoms, but some individuals do have notable pain and soreness. This typically affects the heels or the arches and can get worse when individuals are on their feet moving around. In some cases, the ankle area can become swollen. Those who have soreness or swelling associated with flat feet should discuss treatment options in order to relieve these symptoms, especially if they’re interfering with daily activities.

What Causes Flat Feet?

Arches develop over time as children grow older. However, some individuals continue to have flat feet throughout their lives. This isn’t considered unusual. In fact, having no arches is considered a foot type. For some individuals, fallen arches lead to flat feet. This occurs when the tendons that provide support for arches become weaker due to wear and tear. There are certain risk factors associated with flat feet, including being obese, injuring the foot or the ankle, having rheumatoid arthritis, having diabetes, being pregnant and getting older.

How are Flat Feet Diagnosed?

Diagnosing flat feet involves taking different imaging tests to determine what is causing pain and other symptoms. These tests include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography scans, and ultrasounds. These tests offer more detailed views of the inside of the affected feet, allowing doctors to rule out other problems and determine a treatment method.

What are the Treatments for Flat Feet?

Flat feet may require treatment if they have soreness or swelling. Those who do have symptoms have different treatment options available. These include wearing orthotic devices, performing stretching exercises, wearing supportive shoes, and physical therapy. Those who have pain from flat feet can find relief through resting the feet, taking over-the-counter medications, and losing excess weight to reduce strain on the feet. If these options do not offer relief, Dr. Herzog, Dr. Pollard and Dr. Smith all regularly perform flatfoot reconstructions, in which they can create an arch surgically to realign bones and relieve pain.