In a healthy foot, a gap at the arch of the foot provides distance between you and the floor beneath your body while standing. Without a proper arch, the entire foot lays flush against the floor’s surface. This circumstance is clinically referred to as flatfeet.

All babies and toddlers have flatfeet because their arches haven’t developed yet. For most people, the foot arch forms during childhood. People without arches may or may not suffer from complications or pain, but symptoms vary on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, the arch is visible when the child is sitting or standing, but vanishes while standing. Most children outgrow this type of flatfeet.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Risk factors for flatfeet

Although usually painless, flatfeet can develop from an injury or with age. Over time, you may experience problems with your ankles and knees due to misalignment and general wear and tear. Other complications include foot pain or swelling on the inside of the ankle.

  • Diabetes
  • Aging
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Injury

At your consultation for flatfeet complaints, we’ll ask you a series of questions related to your level of discomfort and onset of symptoms. Depending on your pain, we may use x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds or MRIs to get a detailed look at bones, joints, tendons and tissues.

Treatments for Flatfeet

If flatfeet are not causing you pain, treatment is not necessary. In cases where pain is a concern, the following treatments can help alleviate your symptoms:

  • Physical therapy and gait analysis
  • Stretching exercises
  • Orthotics (arch supports)
  • Supportive shoes

For more information on flatfeet treatment and pain management, contact JAWS Podiatry at 954-922-7333 or schedule a consultation.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON THE PATH TO BETTER FEET

It is not self evident that all feet and all foot surgeons are created equally. The cosmetic and functional procedures we perform require mastery over an extensive set of skills that take years to develop. 

So when you need to keep your best foot forward, make sure that it goes in that direction only and contact our caring, experienced and thoroughly prepared staff at Jaws Podiatry.

Final thought about feet: The human foot  is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art- Leonardo Da Vinci

Schedule a Consultation