Understanding Flat Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Flat feet are a common condition that can affect people of all ages, sometimes leading to discomfort, deformities or alignment issues in the feet and ankles. While some people don’t experience symptoms, others may notice pain, difficulty with certain activities or other issues. Understanding the types and causes of flat feet and the different treatment options can help you manage symptoms and alleviate discomfort. Read on to learn more about flat feet.

What are Flat Feet?

Having flat feet means you have little or no arches in your feet. This can happen in both feet or only one. Some people’s arches never develop from childhood, while some may have collapsed later in life due to a medical condition or other factors. This is important because arches play a vital role in shock absorption, distributing weight and providing flexibility. They also help to minimize stress on the knee and hip joints. Regardless of how flat feet may develop, the condition can cause pain, misalignment and trouble walking. 

Types of Flat Feet

Many podiatrists make a distinction between flexible or mildly flat feet, which generally don’t cause any issues or pain, and rigid flat feet, which can lead to other problems in your feet and ankles. Some issues caused by rigid flat feet include flattened arches, outward pointed heels and rolled-in ankles. Rigid flat feet can also cause the talus bone, a small bone on the inner side of your foot, to stick out. Other types of flat feet include congenital flat foot, which happens from birth into childhood, and acquired flat foot, also known as fallen arches, which happens in adulthood.

Causes

There are many causes of flat feet. Some people may be genetically predisposed to flat feet or have a genetic disorder or defect that affects how their arches form or prevents them from forming altogther. Others may have suffered from a foot or ankle injury that caused damage to the muscles, ligaments or tendons that support the arch. Medical conditions like arthritis and diabetes can lead to swelling, deformities and the breakdown of the supporting ligaments and bones. Other factors, including aging, improper footwear and certain medications, can also lead to flat feet.

Symptoms

Although flat feet don’t always cause symptoms, in many cases, the condition can lead to noticeable issues. Flat feet can alter the way you walk and put excess strain on your lower body. Early warning signs of flat feet include foot pain after walking or running, ankle pain from overpronation, or shin splints. If these issues aren’t addressed, they can lead to structural changes or deformities in the foot and persistent pain. The discomfort can extend beyond the feet and ankles and move up into the lower body, affecting the knees, hips and lower back. Flat feet can also increase the risk of strain injuries, repetitive sprains from ankle instability, and foot and ankle arthritis. 

Treatment

Depending on the severity, there are various ways of treating flat feet. If flat feet cause occasional, mild aches, you can try conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain relievers, orthotic shoe inserts or physical therapy. However, if flat feet cause significant pain or other serious complications, you may need surgery to address the underlying problem. When flat feet are caused by a chronic condition like diabetes or arthritis, it may be more challenging to manage symptoms or correct the issue.

When to Contact a Podiatrist

If flat feet are causing you persistent discomfort, limiting your mobility or leading to issues like frequent ankle sprains or joint pain, it may be time to speak to a podiatrist. A podiatrist can assess the severity of your condition and recommend treatment options, from conservative options like orthotics and physical therapy to more advanced interventions like surgery. Seeking care from a professional can help you prevent further complications and improve your ability to participate in daily activities with less pain.

North Texas Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions to help you manage and improve your overall foot health. If flat feet are affecting your quality of life, contact the dedicated team at North Texas Foot & Ankle by giving us a call at (214)-574-9255 or by scheduling an appointment online.