Flat Feet

Flat Feet Specialist in Plano TX, 75093

Flat Feet and Fallen Arches Treatment in the Collin County TX, Plano, Frisco, Allen, Murphy, Lucas, Dallas County TX, Garland, Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Sachse, Addison areasThose who have a very low foot arch or no arch at all have a condition referred to as flat feet. Most children are born with flat feet and will gradually develop arches in their feet over time. However, if the arch does not develop, it’s likely for one to experience foot pain as they grow older. Those with flat feet tend to walk with an overpronation, often causing the feet to point outward. Since the feet carry the weight of the body, it can put an immense amount of pressure on those with little to no arch because that extra support is absent. The weight of the body is often unevenly distributed as well.

People with flat feet may feel foot pain due to a straining of their muscles and connecting ligaments. It’s also common for people with flat feet to roll their feet as they walk, which may in turn cause discomfort for the ankle. Swelling of the calf, lower legs, knees, and lower back may form as a result of flat feet, along with the feeling of stiffness in the feet as well. Some of the most common reasons for the development of flat feet include genetic factors, a foot or ankle injury, arthritis, and damage to the nervous system. Specific exercises and foot stretches may help alleviate the discomfort that flat feet can often cause.

Flat Feet Treatment

Once flat foot has been diagnosed, your podiatrist may suggest one of several treatment options. Flat feet can be rigid, in which the feet appear to have no arch even when the person is not standing; or flexible, in which the person appears to have an arch while not standing, but once standing the arch disappears. Those with flexible flat feet may be told to reduce any activities that cause pain and to avoid extended periods of walking or standing. Another suggestion may be weight loss, as excessive weight may be placing pressure on the arches.

If you would like more information about caring for flat feet, we suggest that you speak with a podiatrist who can offer you professional recommendations and an advised treatment plan.

Flat Feet (Faq)

What are flat feet?
Flat feet are feet that do not have a visible arch in the center of the bottom of the foot while bearing weight. There are two main types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch, but it can only be seen when the feet are not bearing weight. Rigid flat feet do not have an arch regardless of whether they are bearing weight or not. Most children are born with flat feet and develop an arch over time. Others are born with flat feet and never develop an arch. It is also possible to have a fully developed arch that collapses over time due to wear and tear, injuries, or pregnancy.
What problems can flat feet cause?
In people who are born with flat feet and just never develop an arch, there are usually no significant problems caused by the flat feet. Sometimes the gait, or walking pattern, can be affected, with the feet rolling too far inwards while walking. Those who develop flat feet later in life are more likely to have symptoms, including foot pain in the heel or arch area and ankle pain. Flat feet can also make other foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis more likely.
How can I tell if I have flat feet?
Flat feet are diagnosed visually. If your foot is laying flat on the floor, bearing weight, and there is no visible arch, then you likely have flat feet. You can also do the wet paper test. Wet your feet and stand on a piece of paper, then remove your foot and look at the resulting footprints. If your footprint looks like a complete foot, this indicates that you most likely have flat feet.
Can flat feet be fixed?
If your flat feet are causing you pain or discomfort, your doctor can prescribe a variety of treatments. These may include wearing custom-made or over the counter orthotics, choosing more supportive shoes, doing foot stretches, or taking pain medications.

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