Are you experiencing pain in the bottom of your feet and are wondering what the cause is? Does it feel like throbbing soreness or sharp jabbing pains? Given the complexity of the feet, with their many joints, muscles, ligaments, and bones, this can happen for several reasons. In today’s post, Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, and Cassandra Stache, DPM of greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center, share what could be causing your pain.

Causes and Conditions

One possible reason is that you are experiencing symptoms of having flat feet. This is a condition where the arch is pressed down, and the sole is nearly in complete contact with the ground. Approximately 20% to 30% of people experience flat feet because the arches of their feet did not form properly during growth.

Arthritis or congenital conditions may also cause flat feet. Treatment methods depend on the type of flat foot you are experiencing. You can diminish pain and find relief by strengthening the arch, stretching the foot, or wearing custom orthotics. Surgery may also be an option for permanent relief.

Flexible or Rigid?

The two types of flat feet are flexible and rigid. A flexible flat foot is the most common and typically occurs when the foot only flattens out when weight is put on it. A rigid flat foot is flat regardless of whether weight is placed on the foot. The rigid type may be from tarsal coalition, a condition in which bones are connected by fibrous tissue, cartilage, or bone during development.

Conditions and problems associated with flat feet include:

• Difficulty running or walking because of the stress placed on the ankles.
• As ankles angle inward the alignment of the legs is disrupted, which causes discomfort.
• If you also have problems with your knees, flat feet can contribute to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms of flat feet include:

• Pain around the arch or heel area
• A flat appearance of one or both feet
• Shoes feel uneven 
• Difficulty standing on tiptoes
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle.

If you are experiencing pain and think you may have flat feet, contact Greater Philadelphia’s Your Next Step Foot and Ankle Care Center. You can click here to book your appointment and locate one of our conveniently located offices.