Flat Feet

Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as, Pes planus, is a condition in which the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened. It allows the entire sole of the foot to come in contact with the ground when standing. Flat feet may occur when the arches don’t develop during childhood.  Flat feet may also be acquired through an injury or wear and tear to the posterior tibial tendon with age. Flat feet are normal in infants and toddlers.  The arch normally develops through childhood but some do not.   People with flat feet may or may not have problems. Flat feet can contribute to deformities of the foot like bunions and hammertoes.  It can cause pain on the inside of the foot and arch.  It can also cause problems in the ankle, knees, hip and lower back by altering the alignment of the legs.

Risk factors in acquiring adult flat feet.

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis
  • High impact sports damage posterior tibial tendon.
  • Injury

Diabetics can develop a collapse of the arch due to nerve damage.  It is important to for a diabetic patient to contact their doctor immediately if they develop redness, swelling in the arch area.  There usually is no pain associated.

Treatment

If you have painful flat feet or are developing pain or a deformity associated with flat feet there are a variety of treatments.

  • Proper shoe gear – tie shoe, stiff shank, 3/4 top sneaker or basketball sneaker, boots.
  • OTC innersoles – variety on the market.  Can remove liner in shoes and replace with better arch support.
  • Stretching exercise – tight Achilles tendon associated with flat feet.
  • Strengthening exercise of posterior tibial tendon.
  • Physical therapy
  • Weight loss
  • Low impact exercise.
  • NSAIDS
  • Custom orthotic devices – fabricated with mold to contour foot and posted to accomadate for flat feet.
  • Braces for more severe cases.
  • Surgery

*For products related to the treatment of flat feet we recommend footsupplystore.com

*To schedule an appointment with one of our physicians to evaluate your flat foot deformity please fill out the contact form and we will contact you.

Testimonials

“I suffered with chronic heel pain for over a year. I finally went to see Dr. Fritz who examined me and performed X-rays on the same visit. He diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis. After a course of physical therapy, a cortisone shot and a pair of custom orthotics I’m able to walk pain free again.

- Jeff C.

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