Orthopedic Expertise for the Treatment of Flat Foot

Causes and Risk Factors for Flat Foot

If fallen arches are present in childhood, the condition might be due to a genetic mutation that affects how the bones in the feet develop and fuse during pregnancy.

When flat foot develops in adults, it can usually be linked to other health conditions, including:

• Traumatic injuries to the foot or ankle
• Overuse injuries such as Achilles tendonitis
• Weakening of the support structures of the foot arch due to normal aging
• Excess weight or pregnancy
• Arthritis
• Neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy

Symptoms & Complications of Flat Foot

Most people have no symptoms associated with flat feet. For some, however, the condition can create an unequal distribution of body weight across the feet and legs. This misalignment can affect posture and mobility, and increase the likelihood of developing pain, swelling or stiffness in the hips, knees, ankles and lower back. People with flat feet may also be more prone to developing heel spurs – a bony growth made of calcium deposits that projects from the heel.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Flat Foot

Flat foot can usually be diagnosed with a simple visual and physical exam of the feet. Healthcare providers may also observe the patient standing, walking and on tiptoe to assess the shape and functionality of each foot. Occasionally, if an underlying medical condition is suspected, imaging exams may be ordered.

If the condition is causing pain in the feet, ankles, lower limbs or elsewhere in the body, recommended treatments may include:

• Wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes that support the arch.
• Use of custom-designed orthotics to relieve pressure on the arch and reduce pain.
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
• Weight loss to reduce stress on the arch.
• Exercises to strengthen muscles and tendons and improve gait.

In rare cases, surgery may be recommended if structural anomalies like fused bones or a ruptured tendon are determined to be a potential cause of pain in a person with flat feet.