Many people have flat feet, which are feet that have little to no arch when standing. Some with flat feet have no problems, but not having the arch support may be the cause of your foot, ankle, or leg pain. Joel Davis, MD, and the team at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates in Edmond, Oklahoma, provide comprehensive care for people with problematic flat feet. Call the office or schedule a consultation online today.
Flat feet means the entire sole of your foot touches the floor when standing. Everyone is born with flat feet, and the arch develops during childhood. However, your arch may never develop, or it may fall because of an injury or years of wear and tear.
Not everyone with flat feet has problems. But certain types of this foot condition may cause pain or change how you walk. Types of flat feet include:
With flexible flat feet, you have a visible arch when sitting, but it disappears when you stand. This is the most common type of flat feet and usually develops during childhood or adolescence.
Flexible flat feet tend to worsen with age, and the tendons and ligaments in the arch of your foot may stretch, tear, and swell, resulting in pain.
Rigid flat feet have no arches when sitting or standing. With this type of flat feet, your foot is inflexible. People usually develop rigid flat feet during adolescence, and the condition worsens with age.
Adult-acquired flat feet is an unexpected fall in the arch in the foot. It often results from a tear in a leg tendon that supports the arch. Without the arch support, your foot turns outward, causing pain.
Vertical talus is a birth abnormality that stops the development of the foot arch.
Symptoms of flat feet vary and may depend on the type. With flat feet, you may have:
Flat feet may also cause toe drift, which means the front of your feet and toes point outward.
The Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates team customizes care for flat feet based on the type and severity of symptoms. Treatment for your flat feet may include:
Most people respond positively to conservative treatment for their flat feet.
In some cases, your orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates might perform surgery to correct another problem, such as a tendon tear, and improve your flat feet symptoms.
For comprehensive care for your flat feet, call Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Associates or schedule a consultation online today.
