Flat Feet

Flat feet are a common structural abnormality affecting children and adults alike. Fortunately, various treatments can relieve pain and improve your mobility. At Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. in Arcadia, California, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Caitlyn Lee, DPM, AACFAS, and Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, specialize in diagnosing and treating flat feet using a patient-centered, minimally invasive approach. Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today to schedule a flat feet consultation, or book your appointment online. 

Do flat feet cause pain and difficulty walking?

Flat feet affect everyone differently. For some people, they present no symptoms; for others, they cause pain, weakness, and mobility problems.

Flat feet occur when the soles of your feet make contact with the floor whenever you stand up or take a step. Everyone is born with flat feet, but arches usually form by age 6. Some people never develop arches. Scientists aren’t sure why, but genetics may play a role. 

Do flat feet present symptoms?

Yes. Flat feet symptoms include:

• Pain when walking
• Changes to the way you walk
• Muscle pain in your feet or legs
• Leg cramps
• Pain in the arches or balls of your feet

If you have severely flat feet, you might notice the front of your foot and toes point outward (a condition called toe drift).

Who gets flat feet?

Anyone can experience flat feet, but several factors increase your risk, including:

• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Traumatic foot and ankle injuries

Getting older also increases your risk. General wear-and-tear from walking, standing, and exercising affect the soft tissues that support your arches, affecting their shape and integrity. 

How does a podiatrist diagnose flat feet?

Your Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your feet. They ask you to stand and walk back and forth to see if your arches touch the floor. 

Then, your podiatrist tests your ankle strength and gently presses on the heels, soles, and balls of your feet to identify sensitive areas. They also look at the bottoms of your shoes to check for visible wear patterns. With flat feet, the wear pattern is more prominent in specific areas. 

How are flat feet treated?

The foot and ankle surgeons at Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. treat flat feet using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

• Custom orthotics
• Stretching exercises to lengthen your Achilles tendon
• Physical therapy to improve your gait
• Different shoes that provide additional support

If your flat feet result from a structural problem, like a fracture or tendonitis, your provider might recommend surgery. Repairing the underlying issue can relieve the pain and help you return to your favorite activities.

Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today to schedule flat feet treatment, or book your appointment online.