If you frequently feel soreness in your feet, legs, or back, you may have flat feet. At Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic, in Pocatello, Soda Springs, Idaho Falls, and Montpelier, Idaho, and in Thayne and Jackson, Wyoming, podiatrists Adam Matthews, DPM, and Karson Howard, DPM, provide a number of effective conservative treatments for flat feet. Call Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic, or book an appointment online today to learn more about flat feet.
Flat feet, also known as flatfoot, is a condition that develops when the arches — the space between your heels and toes — flatten out. As a result, your entire foot may feel flush with the ground when you stand. Normally, the arches sit above the ground, which supports the feet and ankles. When you have flat feet, you’re more vulnerable to ankle pronation. This condition causes your feet and ankles to roll inward.
Flat feet are typically apparent when you stand. If your entire sole touches the ground when you stand, you likely have flat feet. Other common symptoms of flat feet include:
The longer you wait to seek treatment for flat feet, the more the condition progresses. Early intervention can help relieve many of the symptoms of flat feet to improve your quality of life.
Flat feet are highly common in young children and toddlers. While most children develop higher arches as they age, some don’t. The condition is also common in aging adults. Constant pressure on the posterior tibial tendon, which helps support your arch, often leads to flat feet.
The most common risk factors for flat feet include:
At Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic, your podiatrist performs a comprehensive foot and gait evaluation to determine the appropriate treatment for your flat feet.
Individuals with flat feet typically benefit from conservative treatments, such as:
Orthotics are custom-made devices that you wear inside your shoes. Made from highly accurate molds of your feet, orthotics cushion and support your feet exactly where you need it most. Wearing orthotics can relieve pressure from your arches to reduce pain and improve your mobility.
Your podiatrists at Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic may recommend shoe modifications to support your arches. In general, shoes with high-level arch support are better for flat feet than flats or sandals.
Stretching the tendons in your feet each day can reduce tension and relieve pain in your arches and heels.
After a complete analysis of your feet, your podiatrist can improve your gait and form through targeted exercises, stretches, massage, and other forms of physical therapy.
To learn more about flat feet, call Ambulatory Foot & Ankle Clinic, or schedule an appointment online today.
