Do you have “flat feet”? Do you think that your flat feet may be causing you pain?
Flat feet can affect the way you stand, walk, and run. They can also impact ankle stability. At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists, our doctors consult with patients to determine the causes of their discomfort and work hard to find an effective solution. Flat feet are one of the common foot problems we address at our Newtown, PA, Podiatry Office.
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for flat feet below.
Causes of Flat Feet
Flat feet can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic conditions (like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis)
- Trauma
- Injury
- Wear and tear
- Obesity
Flat feet can also occur when arches do not fully develop. You may not feel pain just because of flat feet, but if you do start to feel foot pain you should contact our podiatry office for treatment.
Symptoms of Flat Feet
Flat feet can change your gait or the way you walk. Patients may also notice they feel pain in their feet and ankles when they exercise. Some common symptoms of these developing problems may include:
- Arch discomfort
- Heel discomfort
- Ankle pain
- Ankle swelling
These symptoms can also manifest in knee pain and shin splints. It is important to not only pay attention to foot and ankle pain, but to knee and shin pain as well.
Treatment for Flat Feet
Our podiatrists will provide an assessment and examination before treatment to ensure that the procedure lines up with your budget, needs, and goals.
Flat feet can be treated in a variety of ways. This includes:
- Prescription orthotics
- Arch supports
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid Injections
- Stretching exercises
- Supportive shoes
Surgery can also be done to repair tendon or ligament tears that may have resulted from flat feet. You can learn more about foot therapy and the treatment our doctors provide by making an appointment in our Newtown, PA office. We will be happy to review available treatment options with you.
Flat Feet FAQs
Want to know more about flat feet? Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about flat feet below:
Do flat feet affect athleticism?
Yes, flat feet can cause difficulty and pain to patients, particularly when running. The angle at which flat feet hit the ground can cause pain in the ankles, knees, hips, and back. Flat feet can also cause foot inflammation, muscle spasms, and fatigue. It is important to get the right treatment to ensure that these problems do not develop further in severity.
Is balance affected by having flat feet?
Without arch support, it can be difficult to balance on flat feet. This may impact athletes in particular by making it difficult to find an equilibrium. Flat feet can also result in lower leg fatigue, foot spasms, and inflammation.
Can a flat foot be corrected?
Flat foot is most commonly corrected with shoe inserts. Your podiatrist can help recommend good inserts for your foot type. Some patients may choose to utilize physical therapy to correct their flat feet.
Is it true that certain ethnicities are more prone to flat feet?
This is true. Flat feet are not differentiated by gender but are more commonly found in specific ethnicities. Puerto Ricans, African Americans, Pacific Islanders, and non-Hispanic whites are the most prone groups to have flat feet. Women are more likely to have a higher arch in their feet than men.
What happens to flat feet over time?
Overtime flat feet may cause other walking issues. Many people with flat feet roll their ankles inward while walking. This may cause their feet and ankles to hurt. It may also affect your spine and back alignment.
What foot problems can flat feet cause?
If you have flat feet, you may be more likely to experience problems like arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, and bone spurs. Because flat feet negatively affect the balance in your foot, some areas of your foot may be more prone to injury. Flat feet can change the way you walk, which can cause injury.
Can flat feet cause problems with sports or exercise?
Flat feet can make it harder to do activities that involve a lot of running, jumping, or standing for long periods. Without proper arch support, your feet might tire more easily, and you could be more prone to injuries like shin splints, heel pain, or even sprained ankles.
When do flat feet need treatment?
Not everyone with flat feet needs treatment, especially if they aren’t experiencing any issues. However, you should consider treatment if you experience pain in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back that seems related to your flat feet.
You should also get treatment if your feet tire easily, have ankle sprains, or your feet tire easily. If flat feet affect your ability to participate in sports or exercise, seeking treatment to prevent further problems is a good idea. You should also contact us if you develop fasciitis, shin splints, bunions, or Achilles tendonitis.
Schedule a Consultation with our Newtown Foot and Ankle Doctors Today
Are your flat feet causing you pain? Call Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists at 215.234.3772 to receive comfortable and comprehensive treatment for flat feet. You can also schedule an appointment with our doctors online. We are passionate about providing high-quality care to our patients with the latest modern technology.