Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Flat Feet
1746877579
Flat feet, also known as pes planus, happen when the arches of the feet are flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop the condition over time due to injury, aging, or medical conditions that weaken the foot’s support structures.
One of the most common causes of flat feet is genetics. Some children never develop an arch as they grow. Other factors include foot or ankle injuries, obesity, and conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, which can weaken the tendons and muscles that support the arch.
Many people with flat feet have no symptoms, but for some, long periods of activity can lead to foot, knee, or lower back pain. This happens because flat feet can cause muscle strain and misalignment, leading to stiffness, swelling, or discomfort. If left untreated, flat feet may contribute to arthritis, tendon inflammation, or bone spurs.
Most cases can be managed without surgery. Common treatments include: ✔️ Orthotic inserts to provide arch support and improve foot alignment. ✔️ Physical therapy to strengthen foot and ankle muscles. ✔️ Supportive footwear to help reduce strain and improve comfort.
For severe or persistent symptoms, surgery may be considered to restructure the foot and relieve pain.
Early intervention can help prevent complications. In addition to standard treatments, regenerative medicine options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic therapies using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help support tendon and ligament health as well as help with symptom management.
If you're experiencing ongoing foot pain or discomfort, early treatment can prevent long-term issues and improve mobility. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
Are there any complications associated with untreated flat feet?
Yes, untreated flat feet can lead to several complications. These include chronic pain in various parts of the body, musculoskeletal issues, arthritis, tendon inflammation, bone spurs, and bunions or calluses due to abnormal gait patterns. In diabetic individuals, flat feet can increase the risk of serious complications due to reduced foot sensation.
Do flat feet always cause symptoms?
Not everyone with flat feet experiences symptoms. However, some individuals may have pain in the feet, knees, or lower back, especially after long periods of activity. This discomfort is due to muscle strain and misalignment caused by a lack of arch support, which if untreated, can lead to further complications like arthritis and tendon inflammation.
How can early intervention help individuals with flat feet?
Early intervention can prevent long-term problems associated with flat feet. Implementing treatments such as orthotic support and physical therapy can help maintain proper foot alignment, prevent muscle strain, and reduce the risk of joint issues. Newer regenerative medicine approaches, like PRP injections, may also support tendon and ligament health.
What are common treatments for managing flat feet?
Most flat feet can be effectively managed without surgery. Common non-surgical treatments include the use of orthotic inserts for arch support, physical therapy to strengthen foot and ankle muscles, and wearing supportive footwear to reduce strain and improve comfort. In severe cases, surgery might be warranted to restructure the foot and relieve pain.
What causes flat feet, and are they always present from birth?
Flat feet, or pes planus, can be either congenital, meaning present from birth, or acquired over time. Congenital cases may be related to genetic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which affects connective tissue strength. Acquired flat feet often result from factors such as aging, obesity, foot or ankle injuries, and chronic medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.