Flat Feet

Flat foot is a common condition where the foot’s arch is flattened and the entire sole of the foot touches the ground when standing.
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Flat Feet

Flat Feet

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What Are Flat Feet?

The arch of your foot is its main supportive structure. If this arch loses strength, the bony framework begins to collapse, causing your foot to flatten. Like a sagging bridge, the weakness in the middle strains the joints at both ends of your foot.

Flat foot is a common condition where the foot’s arch is flattened and the entire sole of the foot touches the ground when standing. Your arch helps absorb force during weight-bearing activities like running and walking.

Flat foot tends to run in families. An individual may be born with flat feet, or they can be caused by nerve issues, rheumatoid arthritis, damaged tendons or an injury. Those with flat feet should avoid high-impact sports like running and basketball.

Adult-acquired flatfoot is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon. If untreated, this issue can lead to chronic pain and even serious disability. Those with flat feet are predisposed to this tendonitis.

Flat Feet - Causes

There are many causes of flat feet. Some people are born with them. Others acquire flat feet as a result of arthritis, trauma, or musculoskeletal disease. Overuse or repeated pounding on hard surfaces can also weaken the foot’s arch.

Flat Feet - Symptoms

Discomfort from flat feet often doesn’t appear for years. At some point, pain may be felt and walking may become awkward as increasing strain is put on your feet and calves.

You may have no symptoms with flat feet, but this condition can cause:

  • Easily-tired feet
  • Aches and pains in the arches and heels
  • Difficulty standing on tip-toe
  • Hip, leg and back pain
  • Swollen soles

Related Problems

The excess strain from flat feet can cause other foot problems, such as hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, arch strain, corns, neuromas, and sagging joints. Flat feet can also affect other parts of the body, causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Treating Flat Feet

If you must limit your activities because of pain, non-invasive therapies include:

  • Stretching exercises
  • Physical therapy
  • Icing
  • Supportive taping or bracing
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Custom-fitted orthotics to support the arch
  • Wearing supportive shoes

We may discuss surgery with you to relieve pain and restore normal function if the foot is damaged or if the pain is severe.

Medical History and Physical Exam

To determine the best treatment for your problem, your podiatrist looks at your medical history, such as any medical problems you may have had in the past. He or she asks about the length and frequency of your symptoms, the types of activities you do, and any pain or problems you may have in other parts of your body. Your podiatrist does a complete examination of your foot, including a gait analysis to observe the movement and stability of your legs and feet as you walk.

Testing

If your problem is severe and your podiatrist suspects a bone problem, x-rays may be needed. If other problems are suspected, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) may be done, which reveals cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone.

How Does My Podiatrist Treat Flat Feet?

If flat feet are diagnosed at an early age, chances are good that nonsurgical treatment, such as strapping, custom shoe inserts (orthotics), or medication can help the problem.

Nonsurgical Care

  • Strapping: Taping your feet may help by temporarily maintaining the proper position of your feet.
  • Orthotics: Custom orthotics can readjust the weight-bearing position of your feet. Soft, semi-flexible, or rigid inserts may be used, depending on your weight and physical activity.
  • Medication: You may be given anti-inflammatory medication to temporarily relieve pain caused by flat feet.

What Can I Do About Flat Feet?

To help ease the pain of flat feet, try the following as part of your daily routine. If you have continuing problems, be sure to see your podiatrist.

Stretching

To stretch your soles and tendons, try this: Lean on something stationary, with one leg in front of the other and both heels flat. Bend the front knee. Hold for 10 seconds. Bend your back knee, bringing the heel up. Hold for 10 seonds. Do this 5 times with each leg.

Shoes

Be sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable, with enough space in the toe box for toes to wiggle. Women should wear low-heeled shoes, not pumps.

Soaking and Massage

Warm-water soaks or ice massages can help relieve pain. But if you have diabetes or a circulation problem, talk with your podiatrist first.

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