Flat Feet Symptoms & Treatment
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
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Overview
Flat feet, also known as flatfoot, pes planus, or fallen arches, occur when the foot flattens under pressure, causing the entire sole to touch the floor. This condition can affect people of all ages and may lead to pain and discomfort, impacting quality of life.
Anatomy of the Foot Arch
The foot arch helps distribute body weight and provides flexibility and support. In flat feet, this arch is absent or reduced, affecting mobility and posture.
Causes of Flat Feet
- Developmental issues in childhood
- Foot conditions or deformities
- Barefoot walking or minimal support footwear
- Injuries
- Aging
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- High-impact activities
- Genetic predisposition
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In Need of Flat Feet Treatment?
Type of Flat Feet
1. Congenital Flexible Flat Foot: Arch appears when seated or on tiptoe but flattens when standing. Common in children and may resolve with support.
2. Acquired Flexible Flatfoot: Arch present in early adulthood but gradually flattens due to activity, pregnancy, or minimal supportive footwear.
3. Rigid Flat Foot: No arch regardless of position, often requiring orthotic support or bracing.
Symptoms
- Overpronation (inward rolling of feet)
- Outward-pointing feet
- Pain or swelling in the heel, arch, ankle, or other body parts
- Uneven shoe wear
- Impaired posture
- Stiffness or clumsiness
Diagnosis of Flat Feet
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination. Doctors may:
- Examine feet from different angles
- Observe walking patterns
- Test foot and ankle strength
- Check shoe wear patterns
Further tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be ordered if needed.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Custom orthotics
- Achilles tendon stretches
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Over-the-counter medications
- Supportive footwear
- Ankle bracing
Surgical Options
- Tendon and Ligament Repairs
- Osteotomies
- Fusions
- Implants
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Recovery after surgery varies but generally involves weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy. The specifics depend on the procedure performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flat feet be prevented?
Wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and good foot health practices can help but not always prevent flat feet.
How long is the recovery time after flat feet surgery?
Recovery typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the surgery.
How effective are non-surgical treatments?
Non-surgical treatments can be highly effective, especially in children. If ineffective, surgery may be considered.
What are the potential risks of flat feet surgery?
Risks include anesthesia reactions, bleeding, and infection. Discuss specifics with your surgeon.
Flat Feet Symptoms & Treatment
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Flat Feet Symptoms & Treatment
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Overview
Flat feet, also known as flatfoot, pes planus, or fallen arches, occur when the foot flattens under pressure, causing the entire sole to touch the floor. This condition can affect people of all ages and may lead to pain and discomfort, impacting quality of life.
Types of Flat Feet
1. Congenital Flexible Flat Foot: Arch appears when seated or on tiptoe but flattens when standing. Common in children and may resolve with support.
2. Acquired Flexible Flatfoot: Arch present in early adulthood but gradually flattens due to activity, pregnancy, or minimal supportive footwear.
3. Rigid Flat Foot: No arch regardless of position, often requiring orthotic support or bracing.
Diagnosis of Flat Feet
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination. Doctors may:
- Examine feet from different angles
- Observe walking patterns
- Test foot and ankle strength
- Check shoe wear patterns
Further tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be ordered if needed.
Anatomy of the Foot Arc
The foot arch helps distribute body weight and provides flexibility and support. In flat feet, this arch is absent or reduced, affecting mobility and posture.
Causes of Flat Feet
- Developmental issues in childhood
- Foot conditions or deformities
- Barefoot walking or minimal support footwear
- Injuries
- Aging
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- High-impact activities
- Genetic predisposition
Symptoms
- Overpronation (inward rolling of feet)
- Outward-pointing feet
- Pain or swelling in the heel, arch, ankle, or other body parts
- Uneven shoe wear
- Impaired posture
- Stiffness or clumsiness
Diagnosis of Flat Feet
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination. Doctors may:
- Examine feet from different angles
- Observe walking patterns
- Test foot and ankle strength
- Check shoe wear patterns
Further tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be ordered if needed.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Custom orthotics
- Achilles tendon stretches
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Over-the-counter medications
- Supportive footwear
- Ankle bracing
Surgical Options
- Tendon and Ligament Repairs
- Osteotomies
- Fusions
- Implants
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Recovery after surgery varies but generally involves weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy. The specifics depend on the procedure performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flat feet be prevented?
Wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and good foot health practices can help but not always prevent flat feet.
How long is the recovery time after flat feet surgery?
Recovery typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the surgery.
How effective are non-surgical treatments?
Non-surgical treatments can be highly effective, especially in children. If ineffective, surgery may be considered.
What are the potential risks of flat feet surgery?
Risks include anesthesia reactions, bleeding, and infection. Discuss specifics with your surgeon.
Flat Feet Symptoms & Treatment
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
Flat Feet Symptoms & Treatment
Take the first step to better health with Dr. Chowdhury, our highly experienced Foot & Ankle Surgeon!
SPORTS FOOT &
ANKLE CENTER
Services
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Fracture
Lisfranc Injury
Ankle Sprain
... + 20 more
Reviews
Jessica Peri
Sameer Alam
Noman Saleemi
Andres Botero
…+ 6 more
Contact
201-777-1245
dr.einfootandankle@gmail.com
Location
SPORTS FOOT &
ANKLE CENTER
Services
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Fracture
Lisfranc Injury
Ankle Sprain
... + 20 more
Reviews
Jessica Peri
Sameer Alam
Noman Saleemi
Andres Botero
…+ 6 more
Location
Contact
201-777-1245
dr.einfootandankle@gmail.com
Request Appointment
In Need of Flat Feet Treatment?
SPORTS FOOT &
ANKLE CENTER
Services
Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Fracture
Lisfranc Injury
Ankle Sprain
... + 20 more
Testimonials
Jessica Peri
Sameer Alam
Noman Saleemi
Andres Botero
…+ 6 more
Location
Contact
201-777-1245
dr.einfootandankle
@gmail.com
Overview
Flat feet, also known as flatfoot, pes planus, or fallen arches, occur when the foot flattens under pressure, causing the entire sole to touch the floor. This condition can affect people of all ages and may lead to pain and discomfort, impacting quality of life.
Causes of Flat Feet
- Developmental issues in childhood
- Foot conditions or deformities
- Barefoot walking or minimal support footwear
- Injuries
- Aging
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- High-impact activities
- Genetic predisposition
Anatomy of the Foot Arc
The foot arch helps distribute body weight and provides flexibility and support. In flat feet, this arch is absent or reduced, affecting mobility and posture.
Types of Flat Feet
1. Congenital Flexible Flat Foot: Arch appears when seated or on tiptoe but flattens when standing. Common in children and may resolve with support.
2. Acquired Flexible Flatfoot: Arch present in early adulthood but gradually flattens due to activity, pregnancy, or minimal supportive footwear.
3. Rigid Flat Foot: No arch regardless of position, often requiring orthotic support or bracing.
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Recovery after surgery varies but generally involves weeks of immobilization followed by physical therapy. The specifics depend on the procedure performed.
Symptoms
- Overpronation (inward rolling of feet)
- Outward-pointing feet
- Pain or swelling in the heel, arch, ankle, or other body parts
- Uneven shoe wear
- Impaired posture
- Stiffness or clumsiness
Diagnosis of Flat Feet
Diagnosis involves a medical history review and physical examination. Doctors may:
- Examine feet from different angles
- Observe walking patterns
- Test foot and ankle strength
- Check shoe wear patterns
Further tests like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be ordered if needed.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Custom orthotics
- Achilles tendon stretches
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Over-the-counter medications
- Supportive footwear
- Ankle bracing
Surgical Options
- Tendon and Ligament Repairs
- Osteotomies
- Fusions
- Implants
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flat feet be prevented?
Wearing supportive shoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and good foot health practices can help but not always prevent flat feet.
How long is the recovery time after flat feet surgery?
Recovery typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the surgery.
How effective are non-surgical treatments?
Non-surgical treatments can be highly effective, especially in children. If ineffective, surgery may be considered.
What are the potential risks of flat feet surgery?
Risks include anesthesia reactions, bleeding, and infection. Discuss specifics with your surgeon.