Having flat feet, a condition referred to as pes planus or fallen arches, is rarely serious, but can cause pain when you do extensive physical activity. If you have flat feet, your feet don’t have a normal arch when you are standing.
Flatfoot can be a complex disorder with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. There are several types of flatfoot, all of which have one characteristic in common: partial or total collapse (loss) of the arch.
Other characteristics shared by most types of flatfoot include:
Flexible flatfoot is one of the most common types of flatfoot where the arches in your feet appear only when you lift them off the ground, and your soles touch the ground fully when you place your feet on the ground. It typically begins in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. It usually occurs in both feet and progresses in severity throughout the adult years. As the deformity worsens, the soft tissues (tendons and ligaments) of the arch may stretch or tear and can become inflamed.
Other characteristics shared by most types of flatfoot include:
Symptoms which may occur in some persons with flexible flatfoot include:
Flat feet can also develop as a result of medical conditions, such as pregnancy, obesity, or diabetes. Even age and the daily use of the feet can cause the posterior tibial tendon (the primary support structure for the foot arch) to weaken. If the tendon becomes inflamed (tendinitis) or tears after overuse, the damage to the tendon may cause the foot arch to flatten.
In diagnosing flatfoot, our podiatrists examines the foot and observes how it looks when you stand and sit. X-rays are sometimes taken to determine the severity of the disorder. If you are diagnosed with flexible flatfoot but you don’t have any symptoms, we will explain what you might expect in the future.
Treatment for flat feet may range from noninvasive options to surgical intervention to help relieve foot pain and improve function for patients.
If you suspect you have flat feet, we recommend an examination and treatment as soon as possible. Treatment in the early stages of flat feet can prevent progression to the later stages.
If you experience symptoms with flexible flatfoot, our team may recommend nonsurgical treatment options, including:
In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by other treatments, surgery may be considered. A variety of surgical techniques is available to correct flexible flatfoot, and one or a combination of procedures may be required to relieve the symptoms and improve foot function.
In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, our podiatrists will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray findings, your age, your activity level, and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
We offer a full range of nonsurgical and surgical treatments for flat feet. If you would like to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, please call (360) 641-7102.