What causes flat feet?
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, can affect the way you walk and stand (your gait). This can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, including chronic foot pain. In most cases, flat feet are genetic and just something with which you’re born.
You can, however, develop flat feet later in life for any of the following reasons:
- Chronic disease, like arthritis or diabetes
- Injury, such as torn or damaged tendons
- Repeated stress, as with distance running
- Being overweight or obese
If you’re experiencing foot or ankle discomfort and have flat feet, you need to have an evaluation and get started on treatment before a serious injury occurs.
Do I need treatment for flat feet?
Not always. In some cases, treatments for flat feet are preventive if you have a high risk of injury or ankle instability (like if you’re an athlete). Other times, treatments for flat feet begin once you start experiencing issues such as:
- Swelling, inflammation, or tenderness
- Over- or underpronation
- Arch or heel pain
At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, you have access to one of the most in-demand podiatrists in the Metroplex, Dr. Tran. They can use on-site digital X-ray or ultrasound technology to diagnose or rule out any underlying conditions and get you started on treatment for your flat feet right away.
How are flat feet treated?
In most cases, treating flat feet involves combining several conservative treatments to relieve pain and inflammation, while helping tissues heal. Your flat feet management plan from AllCare Foot & Ankle Center may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Regenerative medicine
- Corticosteroid injections
- Supportive shoes
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
If you have a severe injury, such as a tendon rupture, Dr. Tran could recommend surgery to correct the underlying issue and resolve flat feet discomfort. Your flat feet treatment plan from AllCare Foot & Ankle Center is entirely tailored to you and your symptoms, so you can expect effective relief.
Get relief from ongoing flat feet discomfort by booking an exam at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center today. Click the online booking feature, or call your nearest office to get started on treatment.
