If you've experienced chronic foot pain and looked for answers, you may have come across the possibility that you have flat feet, also known as 'fallen arches.' This common condition can cause debilitating symptoms and make everyday activities difficult. It's important to seek treatment from a qualified podiatrist to ensure you're getting the most effective care possible.
But foot pain can occur because of a number of medical problems, many of which are not due to the formation of your feet. How do you know that your pain is one of the symptoms of flat feet, and if it is, what can you do about it?
At South Texas Podiatrist, Dr. Eddie Davis and his team have years of experience in diagnosing and treating flat feet and other structural deformities of the foot. Using non-invasive and minimally-invasive techniques, they can help you find relief from your foot pain and get you back on your feet.
Here are some basic facts to know about what causes flat feet and what you can do to find relief:
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are in some ways exactly what they sound like. Typical feet have a natural arch that forms when the foot is at rest. When you stand on your feet, this arch helps to evenly distribute your weight across the entire foot. It also acts as a shock absorber, absorbing the impact of each step as you walk or run.
Flat feet occur when there is little to no arch present in the foot. This can cause the entire sole of your foot to come into complete or near-complete contact with the ground when you stand, which can lead to a number of problems.
Flat feet are known for causing pain in the foot, but also for causing ankle injuries when the feet roll inward excessively. This is known as overpronation and can cause a number of other problems in addition to pain, including shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and knee pain.
Types of Flat Feet
There are two primary types of flat feet:
- Flexible flatfoot: In the case of a flexible flat foot, the foot has a very low arch or no arch at all. The condition is often present from birth or develops in early childhood. It's more common in girls than boys and usually doesn't cause any pain.
- Rigid flatfoot: Rigid flatfoot is a more serious form of the condition and is often an adult-acquired flatfoot. This is usually caused by an injury or another condition that has caused the arch to collapse. This can lead to pain and difficulty walking.
Both types of flat feet can be treated with a variety of methods, depending on the severity of the condition.
Symptoms of Flat Feet
There are a number of symptoms that can be associated with flat feet. The most common symptom is pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg. This pain occurs during activities when the foot touches the ground (such as walking, running, or standing for long periods of time), and it can range from mild to severe.
Other common flat feet symptoms include:
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Foot fatigue
- Flat spots on the soles of the feet
- Knee, hip, or back pain
In rare cases, flat feet may also cause problems with balance and coordination.
Causes of Flat Feet
There are a number of different factors that can lead to someone developing flat feet. In some cases, it may be due to genetics or an underlying medical condition. However, one can also develop flat feet as a result of injury or overuse.
Common causes of flat feet that aren't congenital include:
- Pregnancy: The added weight during pregnancy can cause the arch of the foot to collapse. This is usually a temporary condition that improves after the baby is born.
- Arthritis: Arthritis in the foot can lead to inflammation and pain, which can cause the arch of the foot to collapse over time.
- Neurological conditions: Certain neurological conditions can weaken the muscles and tendons in the foot, leading to flat feet.
- Overuse: Overusing the feet during activities such as running or dancing can lead to the arch of the foot collapsing. This is often seen in athletes who do not take enough rest between workouts.
Risk Factors for Flat Feet
There are a number of different factors that can increase your risk of developing flat feet. These include:
- Age: The risk of developing flat feet increases with age, as the muscles and tendons in the foot can weaken over time.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop flat feet than men.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put extra strain on the feet, which can lead to flat feet.
- Pregnancy: As mentioned, the added weight during pregnancy can cause the arch of the foot to collapse.
- Arthritis: Arthritis in the foot can lead to inflammation and pain, which can cause the arch of the foot to collapse over time.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can lead to the muscles in the feet not working properly. This can cause flat feet.
Most children who have flat feet do so as a result of the condition being congenital (present from birth).
Diagnosing Flat Feet
In order to have flat feet diagnosed, it is important to see a podiatrist. They will take a medical history and ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing. They will also perform a physical examination of your feet. This usually involves looking at the shape of your feet, checking for any tenderness or pain, and observing how you walk.
Your podiatrist may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to get a better look at the structure of your feet. This can help to rule out any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
Treatment for Flat Feet
There are a number of different methods that can be used to treat flat feet. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your condition and any other underlying health issues.
In some cases, flat feet treatment can be achieved with simple lifestyle changes, such as:
- Resting: If you have flat feet due to overuse, it is important to take a break from the activity that is causing the problem. This will give your feet time to heal.
- Stretching exercises: Doing stretches and exercises that focus on the muscles and tendons in the feet can help to strengthen them. This can help to prevent the arch of the foot from collapsing.
- Wearing supportive shoes: Wearing shoes with good arch support can help to take pressure off of the flat foot. This can help to reduce pain and swelling.
If these lifestyle changes do not improve the symptoms of flat feet, your podiatrist may recommend other nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Foot orthotics: Orthotic devices, such as custom-designed arch supports or shoe inserts, can help to take pressure off of the flat foot. This can help to reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet. This can help to improve foot function.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help to relieve pain and swelling.
In some cases, flat foot surgery may be necessary to treat flat feet. This is usually only recommended if other treatments have not been effective.
Visit the Top Podiatrist Near You
The only way to truly determine the best course of treatment for flat feet is to see a healthcare provider, particularly a podiatrist. They will be able to assess your condition and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
If you're experiencing foot pain, Dr. Davis and the team at South Texas Podiatrist can help. We offer comprehensive care for all types of foot deformities, including flat feet. We'll work with you to develop a treatment plan that relieves your pain and gets you back to the activities you love.
If you're ready to get back on your feet and start living pain-free with the best foot doctor San Antonio has to offer, schedule your first appointment with us today.
