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Best Podiatrist for Flat Fleet in San Antonio

Flat Feet

Having flat feet is a condition in which one or both of your feet have little to no arch. Infants are born with a fat pad in the arch, making their feet appear flat, but arches usually develop and become visible around the age of six. Some adults still have flat feet, or have arches that collapse. Flat feet can be unproblematic for some people, but in some cases they can become painful or cause other problems. There are different types of flat feet, such as:

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  • Flexible -Flexible flat feet are the most common form of the condition. You can see the arches of the foot when you aren’t standing, but they disappear when you put weight on them. This typically comes on during childhood or teenage years, affecting both feet and gradually getting worse with age. Tendons and ligaments in the arches of the feet can stretch, tear and swell.
  • Rigid - A person with rigid flat feet has no arches whether they are standing or sitting. This often develops during teen years and gets worse with age, and they can become painful. It can affect one or both feet, and it can be difficult to flex the feet vertically or horizontally.
  • Fallen Arch - Fallen arches, also referred to as adult-acquired flat foot, occur when the foot’s arch unexpectedly drops or collapses, usually due to inflammation or a tear in the leg tendon. This causes the foot to turn outward, which can be painful. The condition may only affect one foot.
  • Vertical Talus - Some infants have a birth defect called vertical talus that prevents them from forming arches because the talus bone in the ankle is in the wrong position.

Many people don’t feel pain or see symptoms when they have flat feet, but some people may experience:

  • Leg cramps, or muscle pain in the foot or leg.
  • Pain in the arch, ankle, heel, or outside of the foot.
  • Pain when walking or changes in gait.
  • Toes pointing outward.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, or have noticed that you have flat feet, South Texas Podiatry can help you to walk comfortably. 

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Flat Foot Correction Surgery

Flat Feet Treatment Options

Many people with flat feet don’t need extensive treatment, as they could go on without experiencing any difficulties. 

For those who do have problematic flat feet, some treatment options include:

  • NSAIDs, rest, and ice to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Modified shoe gear with arch support and wedges on the inside (medial wedges) to reduce the amount that the feet roll in.
  • Physical therapies to stretch and strengthen tight tendons and muscles.
  • Prefabricated orthotics can be used in milder cases. Custom foot orthotics may be needed in more advanced cases.

Flat foot reconstruction surgery is rarely needed, so your podiatrist will often recommend non-surgical treatments first. If you are experiencing difficulties due to flat feet, South Texas Podiatry can help.  Visit our office at 109 Gallery Circle, Suite 119, San Antonio, Texas 78258, or call us at (210) 490-3668 to get more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes flat feet? 

Flat feet may be genetic as the condition sometimes runs in families. As you age, arches form in the feet, but they may not develop in some. Some people have high arches, while others have very low or nearly absent arches, causing flat feet.

Some people develop flat feet later in life. And certain problems increase your risk of flat feet, including:

  • Achilles tendon injuries.
  • Broken bones.
  • Diabetes.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Obesity.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have any of these risk factors, you can be evaluated for flat feet by a podiatrist near you.

When should I find a foot doctor near me?

You should call your podiatrist, or find a podiatry clinic near you, when you experience the following: 

  • Problems with balance.
  • Stiff, painful feet.
  • Difficulty walking, including pain when walking.
  • Sudden fallen arches.

If you need a foot doctor in San Antonio, Texas, South Texas Podiatry can assist you with your flat feet and address all of your concerns. 

Do children grow out of flat feet?

No, children with flat feet do not grow out of them without medical intervention. Read our blog to learn more about why early treatment is vital for kids with flat feet.

Can I prevent flat feet?

Flat feet can not be prevented, but you can lower your risk or improve the condition. One way to improve the condition of flat feet is to keep a healthy weight, as putting more weight and pressure on your feet will cause more problems.

How do I get started with flat feet treatment?

If you are looking for the best podiatrist in San Antonio, Texas, you’ve come to the right place. South Texas Podiatry can help with any pain or discomfort you are experiencing due to flat feet. The specialists at South Texas Podiatry can treat a number of conditions like flat feet, runner’s knee, nail fungus, and so much more. Visit our office at 109 Gallery Circle, Suite 119, San Antonio, Texas 78258, or call us at (210) 490-3668 to get more information.