What Can a Foot Doctor Do for Flat Feet?

3 Things Our Foot Doctors Can Do for Flat Feet

Flat feet can cause problems in the ankles, heels, and knees due to alignment issues. When you visit Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, our podiatrists will complete a thorough evaluation to determine the root of the problem. Here are three things we can do for flat feet:

1. Diagnose Flat Feet Issues

Flat feet only warrant treatment if the condition interferes with your daily life. Many people have flat feet without pain, discomfort, or gait issues. If you have flat feet accompanied by pain, Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute can help you manage or treat such symptoms. Our podiatrists use modern technology and professional experience to identify where the pain originates.

Proper diagnosis reveals the cause of your flat feet and the nature of the discomfort. The foot doctor will use imaging tests like ultrasound, x-rays, CT scans, and MRI to locate the pain. Flat feet causes pain in your ankle or foot.  Once we know where the pain comes from, we’ll customize a treatment plan to reduce the pain and other symptoms like swelling.

Flat feet can develop due to regular wear and tear or injury to the tendon inside the ankle. The tendon helps to support the arch and can weaken over time, causing the arch to collapse. Risk factors like obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, and diabetes also increase the risk of developing flat feet. Our podiatrists will analyze your medical history, shoe wear patterns, and other aspects to determine the cause of your flat feet.

2. Treat Flat Feet Symptoms

Having flat feet doesn’t always mean you need treatment. Flat feet only need to be addressed if they cause pain, swelling, or other undesirable symptoms. After one of our doctors examines your condition and diagnoses the pain, they will then devise a treatment plan based on your needs. Treatment may include pain medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Here’s an overview of each treatment option:

• Therapy: Popular therapies for flat feet include arch support (orthotic devices) to reduce discomfort, stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of tight or shortened tendons, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles/tendons and improve gait.
• Lifestyle Changes: For minor pain, you can try lifestyle changes like rest, supportive shoes, and weight loss. Rest limits time spent walking and standing, preventing further aggravation of your condition. Supportive shoes and weight loss seek to relieve pain by relieving extra pressure on the feet.
• Surgery: Some patients seek surgical procedures to correct flat feet, especially if the flat feet limit their daily activities. Most people with flat feet won’t need surgery. Our podiatrists only perform surgery if non-surgical treatments fail. Surgery can help repair tendon and bone problems causing excess pain.

3. Manage Pain & Other Foot Issues

Flat feet can cause alignment issues and impact your balance. The condition also increases the risk of arthritis and bone spurs (abnormal growth of bony structures). You should watch out for other potential issues if you have flat feet, even you aren’t experiencing pain. Bunions, corns, calluses, lower back pain, hip pain, knee pain, and shin splints are all linked to flat feet. Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute podiatrists also treat conditions like Achilles tendon injuries and broken bones in the foot that increase the risk of flat feet.

Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute treats many foot and ankle problems, and we can help you manage painful flat feet and other secondary issues. You should contact our doctors if you notice balance problems or have difficulty walking. We also recommend speaking with our experts if you have stiff, painful feet or suddenly develop flat feet. One of our podiatrists will treat the pain and determine your risk for other problems.

We offer proactive solutions to prevent complications and help you live a full life without the discomfort of flat feet. Our podiatrists will monitor developments in your treatment and optimize your lifestyle through recommended exercises and arch supports.

Flat Feet Takeaways

You don’t need to do anything for flat feet if they don’t interfere with your daily activities. If you feel pain or discomfort or notice other symptoms like leg cramps and toe drift, seek professional help. A foot doctor at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute will diagnose and treat the issue to prevent complications. Explore our services to learn more about what we do and how we can help with your flat feet.