Flat feet is a condition in which the entire sole of the foot touches the ground
Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, is a prevalent condition affecting millions of people worldwide that can lead to pain or discomfort in the feet, ankle, or knees and can complicate balance. If you suffer from pain due to fallen arches, learning more about the different flat foot treatment options will allow you to relieve your pain and get back to comfort, mobility, and stability in your everyday life. At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we have specialists committed to delivering advanced and individualized treatment options for patients with a common presentation of flat feet, as well as other problems related to the feet.
In this guide we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of flat feet. We will also discuss adjunct therapies that may assist with wellbeing of the feet overall.
Understanding Flat Feet
Flat feet, or fallen arches, are when the arch of the foot collapses or is not developed. Instead of a natural curve in the middle of the foot, the sole of the foot is making contact with the ground. Flat feet can be present at birth (congenital), or develop over time based on aging, injury, or continuing inappropriate stress on the feet.
Flat feet may not generate problems for everyone, but for many they do generate problems:
Arch or heel pain
Swelling along the inside of the ankle
Foot fatigue during walking or standing
Knee, hip, or back pain resulting from altered mechanics
The good news is that flat foot treatment may vary from conservative opinions to advanced medical treatments, and everything in between, allowing the patient to find the relief suited to their practice.
Causes of Flat Feet
Flat feet may be caused by a variety of elements, including:
Genetics – Certain individuals are simply born with very low arches.
Trauma – Injuries to the foot or ankle, such as ligament tears, can lead to a collapsed arch.
Aging – Tendons will lose elasticity as a person ages, which can affect arch preservation.
Weight – Extra body weight can create stress on feet and lead to flattening the arch.
Certain Conditions – Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, leg neuropathies, and other illnesses can also contribute to fallen arches.
Knowing the cause is important so podiatrists at Deniel Foot and Ankle Center can suggest the best treatment.
Flat Foot Treatment Options
When it comes to treating flat feet, treatment options depend on your symptoms and how they affect your ability to get around. The most common treatment options are:
Orthotic Devices
Custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) are the most effective way to treat flat feet. These assistive devices provide the foot with properly positioned arch support, allow for the potential reduction of ongoing pain in the feet, and can help with foot positioning and alignment with other movements, making it more comfortable for you to fully take part in your daily work and leisure activities.
Supportive Footwear
Footwear that includes firm soles and good arch support is good practice for lowering discomfort that can come with flat feet. Patients should avoid flimsy, soft, or unsupportive footwear because they can add to existing pain, and may not be lining up well.
Physical Therapy
Specific exercise programs can help the body strengthen the muscles and tendons of the feet and ankles. Stretching programs, balance training, and resistance exercises may help reduce the strain we put on our arches and improve mobility.
Pain Medication and Relief
Patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and inflammation. Although they do not solve the problem, they can help the patient manage symptoms while in treatment with other options.
Advanced Treatment
If a conservative approach does not provide enough relief, then advanced treatment may be the option to consider. At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, patients may be eligible for advanced treatment, such as shockwave therapy treatment. It promotes healing in tissues that are damaged or healing poorly, unlike the medications that help with chronic pain.
Surgery
Surgery is often a last resort for severe cases that have not responded to non-invasive treatment. It can either reconstruct tendons, realign bones, or fuse joints to stabilize the area of the foot, ankle and/or leg.
When to Seek Professional Care
Most flat feet are not harmful, however, you should seek professional help if you experience any of the following:
Constant pain in your feet or ankles
Swelling on the inside of the foot
Inability to stand up for extended periods of time
Balance issues or recurrent injuries
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we have specialists who can perform a thorough assessment, including gait evaluation and imaging, to establish a personalized flat foot treatment plan.
Supporting Your Flat Foot Treatment Journey
While treating your flat feet properly is vital, there are many other concomitant ailments that could also be reducing your mobility and quality of life. Addressing them in conjunction with your flat foot treatment plan will often result in a faster recovery and improved overall foot health.
High ankle sprain– Patients with flat feet tend to develop more acute ankle instability, so ensuring rehabilitation exercises and/or a supportive brace can help to reduce or treat high ankle sprains.
How to speed up healing wounds naturally– Because flat feet can lead to some skin irritation and in rare cases skin pressure sores, engaging the strategies of proper hygiene and natural remedies should be addressed for long-term care.
Laser to treat foot fungus– Pressure and friction caused by footwear can predispose flat footed individuals to toenail fungus. Although it is now possible to get rid of toenail fungi using advanced treatments, such as laser therapy which results in returning to health of the nail.
Shockwave therapy treatment– beyond treating flat feet, this treatment is useful for non-invasively addressing chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or tendon problems. Ultimately improving overall functioning of the foot.
Incorporating these adjunctive treatments alongside flat foot treatment, could help the patients of the Deniel Foot and Ankle Center attain their ideal speed of recovery and better overall foot health.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Flat Feet
In addition to seeking medical intervention, some simple lifestyle alterations may help patients have improved comfort levels and reduced strain on their arches:
Maintain Healthy Weight – Losing extra weight may help reduce the overall pressure on your feet.
Regularly Stretching –Making a point to stretch your Achilles tendon and calf muscles will probably alleviate tension.
Wear Supportive Shoes – High-quality shoes are well worth the investment; high-quality shoes can feature arch support.
Varying How You Engage in Activities – To greatly avoid high-impact activities, you should try alternatives like swimming or riding your bike.
Use Rest and Ice – Applying ice packs for 10-15 minutes after standing on your feet for long periods of time may lessen pain and inflammation.
Combining these efforts with professional flat foot treatment could make your daily activities seem more feasible.
Why Choose Deniel Foot and Ankle Center?
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we are committed to offering patient-focused care that addresses not just flat feet, but the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our clinic provides:
Advanced diagnostic tools to assess the severity of flat feet
Customized orthotic solutions for long-term comfort
Access to cutting-edge treatments like shockwave therapy and laser care
Compassionate support from experienced podiatrists
Our mission is to help you walk confidently and live without the limitations of chronic foot pain.
Conclusion
Flat feet can greatly affect the comfort you experience as well as your posture and day-to-day activities, but with a prescribed treatment tactic that works for you, relief is possible. From orthotics and physical therapy to more progressive means like shockwave therapy treatment, we can help you regain your mobility and stability.
If you are experiencing discomfort, do not wait to get help from a professional. Deniel Foot and Ankle Center provides effective flat foot treatments that are specific to you. With an expert combination of professional guidance, supporting therapies, and lifestyle adaptations, you will be on your way to regaining the comfort in your steps and live a healthier, more active life.
