Flat Feet

Flat feet treatment in the Hunt County, TX: Greenville, Rockwall County, TX: Rockwall, Rowlett, Fate, Royse City, Heath, Collin County, TX: Plano, Wylie, Sachse, Frisco, Dallas County, TX: Dallas, Richardson, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Carrollton, Addison, Farmers Branch, Coppell, Lewisville, Rowlett (partial), Sachse (partial), Balch Springs, Seagoville, Denton County, TX: Lewisville, Flower Mound, The Colony, Highland Village, Denton, Tarrant County, TX: Grapevine areas

Flat Feet Treatment

All babies are born without arches, which usually develop by approximately age six. When arches fail to develop during childhood, this is a condition known as flat feet, or pes planus. Flat feet are characterized by feet that have no arch and when the middle of the foot is flush with the ground.

Causes of Flat Feet

There are many possible causes of flat feet, including:

• Genetics

• Obesity

• Pregnancy

• Old age

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Injuries such as a broken bone or Achille’s tendon injury.

The likelihood of having flat feet increases in those with diabetes or certain muscular or neurological diseases such as muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, or cerebral palsy.

Different Types of Flat Feet

Not all flat feet are the same. In adults, flat feet are categorized as either rigid or flexible.

Rigid flat feet. Individuals with this type of flat feet will have no arch at any time: when putting weight on the feet or when sitting, when there is no weight on the feet.

Flexible flat feet. Arches in individuals with flexible flat feet will be visible when sitting or while on tiptoes. However, the arches will collapse once standing and when weight is put on the feet.

Adult-acquired (fallen arch). This is a sudden drop or collapse of the arch which may only affect one foot. It can be caused by inflammation or a tear in a leg tendon that supports the arch.

Vertical talus. This is a congenital disability where the ankle’s talus bone is improperly positioned, causing the bottom of the foot to look like a rocking chair’s bottom.

Symptoms of Flat Feet

Flat feet are often asymptomatic, however many people can experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Arch pain

• Ankle pain

• Heel pain

• Stiffness

• Changes in gait

• Muscle pain or fatigue in the feet or legs

• Toe drift

• Balance issues or difficulty standing

Diagnosing and Treating Flat Feet

To make a diagnosis, a podiatrist will observe your feet as you sit, stand, and walk, and will assess your symptoms. In some cases, they will want to evaluate bone structure by looking at an X-ray.

Depending on the type of symptoms and severity of the condition, a podiatrist may treat flat feet with custom orthotics/shoes, foot braces, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or ice and rest. They may suggest physical therapy to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles and tendons.

If flat feet are interrupting your daily activities or causing you any discomfort, have your condition evaluated and treated by a podiatrist.

Flat Feet (FAQs)

What are flat feet?
Flat feet are feet that do not have a visible arch in the center of the bottom of the foot while bearing weight. There are two main types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch, but it can only be seen when the feet are not bearing weight. Rigid flat feet do not have an arch regardless of whether they are bearing weight or not. Most children are born with flat feet and develop an arch over time. Others are born with flat feet and never develop an arch. It is also possible to have a fully developed arch that collapses over time due to wear and tear, injuries, or pregnancy.
What problems can flat feet cause?
In people who are born with flat feet and just never develop an arch, there are usually no significant problems caused by the flat feet. Sometimes the gait, or walking pattern, can be affected, with the feet rolling too far inwards while walking. Those who develop flat feet later in life are more likely to have symptoms, including foot pain in the heel or arch area and ankle pain. Flat feet can also make other foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis more likely.
How can I tell if I have flat feet?
Flat feet are diagnosed visually. If your foot is laying flat on the floor, bearing weight, and there is no visible arch, then you likely have flat feet. You can also do the wet paper test. Wet your feet and stand on a piece of paper, then remove your foot and look at the resulting footprints. If your footprint looks like a complete foot, this indicates that you most likely have flat feet.
Can flat feet be fixed?
If your flat feet are causing you pain or discomfort, your doctor can prescribe a variety of treatments. These may include wearing custom-made or over the counter orthotics, choosing more supportive shoes, doing foot stretches, or taking pain medications.

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