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What are Flat Feet?
 The
arch of your foot is its main supportive structure. If this arch
loses strength, the bony framework begins to collapse, causing your
foot to flatten. Like a sagging bridge, the weakness in the middle
strains the joints at both ends of your foot.
 Causes
There are many causes of flat feet. Some people are born with them.
Others acquire flat feet as a result of arthritis, trauma, or musculo-skeletal
disorders. Overuse or repeated pounding on hard surfaces can also
weaken the foot’s arch.
Symptoms
Discomfort from flat feet often doesn’t appear for years.
At some point, pain may be felt and walking may become awkward as
increasing strain is put on your feet and calves.
Related Problems
The excess strain from flat feet can cause other foot problems,
such as hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, arch strain, corns, neuromas,
and sagging joints. Flat feet can also affect other parts of the
body, causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees,
hips, and lower back.
 Medical
History and Physical Exam
To determine the best treatment for your problem, your podiatrist
looks at your medical history, such as any medical problems you
may have had in the past. He or she asks about the length and frequency
of your symptoms, the types of activi-ties you do, and any pain
or problems you may have in other parts of your body. Your podiatrist
does a complete examination of your foot, including a gait analysis
to observe the movement and stability of your legs and feet as you
walk.
Testing
If your problem is severe and your podiatrist suspects a bone problem,
x-rays may be needed. If other problems are suspected, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) may be
done, which reveals cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone.
How Does My Podiatrist
Treat Flat Feet?
If flat feet are diagnosed at an early age, chances are good that
nonsurgical treatment, such as strapping, custom shoe inserts (orthotics),
or medication can help the problem.
Nonsurgical Care
Strapping
Taping your feet may help by temporarily maintaining the proper
position of your feet.
Orthotics
Custom orthotics can readjust the weight-bearing position of your
feet. Soft, semi-flexible, or rigid inserts may be used, depending
on your weight and physical activity.
Medication
You may be given anti-inflammatory medication to temporarily relieve
pain caused by flat feet.
Surgery
If your flat feet cause chronic pain, surgery may be needed to correct
the alignment of the bones in your feet, or to support or reinforce
the tendon structures in your feet.
What Can I Do
About Flat Feet?
To help ease the pain of flat feet, try the following as part of
your daily routine. If you have continuing problems, be sure to
see your podiatrist.
Stretching
To stretch your soles and tendons, try this: Lean on something stationary,
with one leg in front of the other and both heels flat. Bend the
front knee. Hold for 10 seconds. Bend your back knee, bringing the
heel up. Hold for 10 seconds. Do this 5 times with each leg.
Shoes
Be sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable, with enough
space in the toe box for toes to wiggle. Women should wear low-heeled
shoes, not pumps.
Soaking and Massage
Warm water soaks or ice massages can help relieve pain. But if you
have diabetes or a circulation problem, talk with your podiatrist
first.
Consultant: Brad L. Naylor, DPM, MS With contributions
by: Stephen R. Doms, DPM, Lori J. Hillman, DPM & Richard O.
Lundeen, DPM
This information is not intended as a substitute
for professional health care.
©1994, 1999 The StayWell Company
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