Flat Feet

Flat feet may not cause problems for some, but for others, the loss of arch support causes foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain. Seeking treatment from  Dr. Joseph Hall, DPM (Foot and Ankle Specialist) at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic in Mill Creek, WA can prevent flat feet from causing symptoms that may affect your ability to walk and stay active. Call the office or book online if you have questions or need to schedule a flat feet evaluation.

What are flat feet?

Having flat feet means that the arches lose their shape and partially or completely collapse.

There are several types of flat feet:

Flexible flat foot

Flexible flat foot begins in early childhood. The arch is visible when sitting or relaxing but flattens when standing.

Children typically develop arches by age five, but if they don’t, flexible flat feet can progressively worsen throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Adult-acquired flat foot

Adult-acquired flat foot develops due to an injury or underlying condition, most often a problem with the posterior tibial tendon supporting the arch (posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or PTTD).

Rigid flat foot

Rigid flat foot means the arches are always flat, even when resting. Children and adults can have rigid flat feet. When they do, they usually have worse symptoms.

What flat feet symptoms will I have?

Flexible flat feet in children seldom cause symptoms and don’t affect their movement. However, if the condition persists throughout adolescence, it may cause aching and pain along the bottom of the foot.

Progressive flat feet in adults may initially cause mild aching in the foot. Symptoms gradually worsen, causing increasing pain and limited movement.

Other symptoms of flexible and progressive flat feet include:

• Pain on the inside of the foot (in the early stages)
• Pain on the outside of the foot and below the ankle (in later stages)
• Swelling
• Red, warm skin
• Ankles roll inward when walking
• Heel pain
• Leg pain and fatigue

Flat feet increase the risk of developing bone spurs, bunions, corns, shin splints, and arthritis. As the flattened arch affects your body’s overall alignment, the condition may lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain.

How are flat feet treated?

Treatment begins with customized prescription orthotics to absorb pressure and support the arches. At Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Hall specializes in 3D orthotics, creating shoe inserts customized to fit each person’s foot contours.

Depending on the severity of your flat feet symptoms, you may need other treatments, such as:

• Walking cast
• Bracing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy

Most people with flat feet don’t need surgery, but your provider may consider it to correct the condition if your symptoms don’t improve. 

Call Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic today or book a flat foot evaluation online.