Having flat feet is a common problem and for some people the condition doesn’t produce any major symptoms. For many individuals, however, having an unsupported arch can give rise to a host of other problems including knee, hip, and back pain. Flat feet are usually inherited but in some cases, the condition is caused or exacerbated by injury, arthritis, and other diseases.
Having flat feet is a common childhood phenomenon that usually resolves as the foot structure becomes more developed, as the child gets older.
People who have untreated flat feet are more likely to suffer from the following:
- Toe deformities—People who have untreated flat feet are more susceptible to developing toe abnormalities like bunions and hammertoe.
- Pain and swelling in the feet and ankles—The tender tissue that forms your arches is more susceptible to injury when you have flat feet and can become painful and swollen during walking and exercising. The extra stress on the ankle joint also causes pain and discomfort.
- Overpronation—Rolling the ankle over when you step is a frequent problem in people who have poorly treated flat feet and arch difficulties.
- Back, knee, and hip problems—Correcting flatfoot improves spinal alignment and decreases pain and discomfort in the knees, hips, and back.
In severe cases, flatfoot correction surgery may be required.
For expert help in treating your flat feet see your foot care professional for the correct diagnosis and treatment. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.