Flat feet, also called flatfoot, is a common condition linked to different causes and concerns. This is linked to the natural arch of the foot either failing to develop or collapsing later in life. In most cases, flat feet can be painless or cause minimal challenges.

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent flat feet from developing. However, if you are experiencing pain or other concerns, solutions are available to treat the condition. Let’s take a closer look.

Flat Feet Symptoms and Causes

While harmless in some cases, certain flat feet symptoms can be painful for others. Symptoms include leg cramps, muscle pain, and toe drift (where the front part of the foot and toes point outward). 

This pain is focused on different parts of the foot or leg, including the arch, ankle, and heel. Overall, flatfoot pain can change people’s gait and how they walk.

What Causes Flat Feet?

Flat feet may have a genetic component to them. People are born with flat feet, developing foot arches as they age, generally by or around age 6. Some people develop lower or absent arches, leading to flatfootness. In other cases, the arches develop normally and later collapse.

Being flatfooted can run in families and is linked to developing other conditions later in life, including: 

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Broken bones
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• And more

Flat Feet Treatment Options

Flat feet treatment often doesn’t require serious intervention. Your healthcare provider might initially recommend nonsurgical treatments for foot pain, stiffness, or similar issues. However, if these prove to be insufficient, surgical treatments are available as well.

You should call your healthcare provider and schedule an appointment if you suddenly develop fallen arches. Likewise, schedule an appointment if you struggle with balance problems, pain, difficulty walking, or stiff, painful feet.

Rest, Ice, and Medication

One of the first treatments they’ll likely recommend is using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs) with rest and ice. In many cases, this should greatly reduce any pain or discomfort the flat feet are causing.

Physical Therapy

If rest and ice are insufficient treatment, physical therapy may be the next course of action. Your healthcare provider will recommend exercises to stretch and strengthen the tendons and muscles. If they work as intended, they should improve flexibility and mobility, leading to a reduction in symptoms.

Supportive Devices

If rest, ice, and physical therapy don’t help, your provider may prescribe a supportive device to help. Supportive devices like foot orthotics, foot or leg braces, or custom-made shoes can reduce pain and encourage arch development. 

With regular use, most patients can expect a reduction in painful symptoms.

Flat Feet Treatment Surgery

In certain cases, flat feet treatment surgery is a necessary step for patients to feel relief. This is especially true when the feet are rigid, or there are underlying problems with the bones or tendons.

Similarly, if other treatment methods fail to provide any relief, surgery is an option to treat flat feet.

Diablo Foot and Ankle Can Help

In many cases, flat feet don’t necessarily require extensive treatment, especially if they’re painless. However, for those people seeking relief from painful or uncomfortable flat feet, there are options available.

If you’re struggling with flat feet and looking for relief, Diablo Foot and Ankle is here to help. They have friendly and knowledgeable professionals who can answer any questions you might have about flat feet. These can include treatment options, linked conditions, or how flat feet can affect your overall health. Call or schedule your consultation today for more information.