Flat Feet
An arch along the bottom of the foot is part of our normal support system, but many people have very low or “fallen” arches. This condition is often referred to as “flat feet” or “flatfoot.”
Having flat feet does not always mean you will experience any problems from the condition, and treatment for it is not always necessary. However, flat feet should be addressed if they are causing pain or discomfort.
How Do Flat Feet Happen?
Most of us do not have arches when we are born. As we develop and learn to walk, our arches gradually form and prepare us for a lifetime of movement.
It is common to see flat feet in children, but there is not much cause for concern while young. But once we have reached maturity, arches simply aren’t going to come in if they haven’t already.
Additionally, an adult can have arches but lose them over time. An injury can weaken the support structures of an arch, causing it to fall. Likewise, simple age and wear on the feet can have a similar effect.
When Are Flat Feet a Problem?
Having flat feet can alter the structure of the foot and the way that weight is distributed over it. In some cases, this can cause excess force or pressure to be exerted on certain areas of the foot.
Flat feet can also affect the way the body moves and cause other muscles to act in different ways to adjust to this motion. This has the potential of causing pain in the ankles, knees, and even hips as the body “falls out of alignment.”
Even if your child currently has flat feet and it is not causing them any problems, we still recommend that they come in for periodic evaluations. If we can catch that the arches are not making progress early, we can take preventative steps to avoid potential pain later in adulthood.
When Are Flat Feet a Problem?
Having flat feet can alter the structure of the foot and the way that weight is distributed over it. In some cases, this can cause excess force or pressure to be exerted on certain areas of the foot, causing pain in the heel or arch area. This type of pain tends to grow worse with activity.
Flat feet can also affect the way the body moves and cause other muscles to act in different ways to adjust to this motion. This has the potential of causing pain in the ankles, knees, and even hips as the body “falls out of alignment.”
Even if your child currently has flat feet and it is not causing them any problems, we still recommend that they come in for periodic evaluations. If we can catch that the arches are not making progress early, we can take preventative steps to avoid potential pain later in adulthood.
How Are Flat Feet Treated?
Flat feet that are not causing any discomfort do not require any treatment. If pain and other problems can be traced to flat feet then action should be taken to address the problem. This is also true for children and teens who may have problems from flat feet, even if those arches are still developing.
Diagnosing flat feet is relatively easy. It can often be determined via an examination of the feet, although an imaging test might also be requested to determine the extent of the condition and rule out other potential causes of pain. It is also very helpful to bring in a pair of shoes you have worn for several months, as their wear patterns can tell us a lot about the way you walk.
After an evaluation, we may recommend one or more treatments for your flat feet. They may include:
- Orthotic inserts that are specially prescribed according to your foot shape. These inserts provide support and cushioning exactly where it’s needed and can offload excess weight and pressure from areas that need it.
- Stretching exercises that can help relieve pain, especially if a shortened Achilles tendon is a factor.
- Physical therapy to aid in movement techniques, especially if you are a runner whose flat feet have been increasing your risk of overuse injuries.
If your flat feet are giving you trouble, or you aren’t sure what’s causing your pain, give Trinity Foot Center a call at (972) 293-9650.
Flat feet. Many people come to the office and tell me they have flat feet, and they don’t. What really determines if you have a flat foot, is an x-ray. When you stand, (we take our x-ray standing) the bones in the foot will either collapse or they don’t. They have what we call a rigid flat foot, meaning whether you stand or sit, your foot is flat, and then there’s a flat foot that’s called flexible, meaning when you stand, it’s flat, but when you’re off of it, it’s not. There’s also this wet foot test where you can wet your foot and then take the imprint on a piece of paper and if you see the entire imprint of your foot on the paper, then you know you have a flat foot. What causes flat feet? Almost always is hereditary, almost always is hereditary, meaning passed on from generation, whether it’s a parent or grandparent. There are some people who will develop a flat foot over time and many things can cause that weight gain, improper shoes, activity, & lifestyle. How you treat it? Wear shoes with lots of support. For some reason, people come in and think you have to wear flat shoes because your flat foot, not true! You need to support that arch, so it doesn’t cause more problems. The number one problem for people with flat foot is usually their knees. So, if you’re dealing with the flat foot, wear proper shoes. Shoes that have lots of support in the arch and in the heel. Change (shoes) frequently and see a foot specialist if you start getting pain from your flat feet, where we will do an examination by taking an x-ray and more than likely you’ll need some type advise on shoe gear or an insert. So, if you’re dealing with a flat foot, see a specialist. Here at Trinity Foot Center we will be more than happy to examine you if you’re in the Dallas Fort Worth area.
Contact us
Office Hours
| Monday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:00am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 8:00am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 8:00am - Noon |
Contact
p. (972) 293-9650
f. (972) 291-2533
Location
1801 N. Hampton Road
Suite 340
DeSoto, TX 75115
Inside the Inwood National Bank Building on the 3rd Floor
Request appointment
© Trinity Foot Center. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy