Flat Feet

Flat feet usually don’t signal a dangerous medical condition, but when you’re in pain from flat feet, a top-rated foot doctor can help with specific flat feet treatment recommendations. Have your condition checked out and heed the advice of your podiatrist to take the steps needed to keep the condition from interfering with your daily life. If you’re worried about your flat feet or are suffering from the consequences of the foot disorder, call Premier Podiatry for an appointment to ease your concerns and find the most appropriate treatment.

The structure of your foot includes an arch or rise in the bones, supporting ligaments, muscles and tendons. This arch may be normal, high or virtually nonexistent, which is the condition that leads to flat feet. Infants and toddlers naturally have flat feet because their arches haven’t finished forming. In some children, however, arches never fully form, while other people experience fallen arches over time. Both situations result in flat feet.

A National Foot Health Assessment revealed that around eight percent of all Americans 21 and older have flat feet. Because flat feet pain can mimic other problematic arch conditions — such as overpronation, an unusual rolling of your foot when you walk or run — consult an experienced New Jersey podiatrist. Foot specialist Dr.Petkov at Premier Podiatry can correctly diagnose your flat feet and find the best flat feet treatment for you.

Risk Factors for Flat Feet Pain

You may never develop normal arches, or you may have had normal arches in the past, but now those arches have fallen or collapsed. Most people afflicted with flat feet share some common risk factors though, including:

• A family history of flat feet, as the shape of your foot has a hereditary element
• A history of gait or stride issues
• Advancing age, because years of standing, walking or running weaken the tibial tendon
• An injury to the supporting tendon, resulting in inflammation or tearing
• Pregnancy and obesity, which put greater pressure on your feet, enhancing the chance of fallen arches
• Accompanying conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes

Your flat feet pain may be isolated to your foot condition, or it may signal other medical conditions that contribute to your pain. Talk to your podiatrist in northern New Jersey about your full medical history. Then submit to a physical examination. An accurate diagnosis is the first step toward appropriate flat foot treatment.

Read more: Don’t Let Flat Feet Lower Your Quality of Life

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When to Seek Flat Feet Treatment

Some symptoms dictate the need for flat feet treatment. If you’ve experienced ankle or foot injuries, be aware of continued pain or the possibility of fallen arches. If you experience pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness in your feet, consult with Dr. Petkov. If your balance and gait seem affected, visit your New Jersey podiatrist.

Flat feet are common in children under the age of six. Most kids develop arches as their bones lengthen and grow. But if you’re an adult, it’s time for a foot consultation if you notice a new condition or if only one of your feet seems affected.

Read more:
How to Tell If You Have Flat Feet
The Effects of Flat Feet in Children

How to Fix Flat Feet

Most flat feet conditions can’t be prevented, especially if they’re related to heredity. Additionally, your flat foot discomfort may contribute to other medical conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, painful bunions, hammer toes, inflammation and general foot pain. Your gait may be affected, or you may experience pain in your ankles, knees or hips. Whatever your symptoms and conditions, your New Jersey podiatrist in Clifton can help you manage your symptoms.

After a physical exam that includes examining your feet, ankles, and legs, as well as observing your gait, Dr. Petkov may recommend one or several treatments, such as:

• Specialized stretches and exercises to keep your feet flexible and strong
• Specially designed shoes or boots with wide and tall toe boxes to allow plenty of room for toe movement. This type of footwear has a stable heel covering to protect your Achilles tendon, heel bone and posterior tibial tendon. These boots or shoes also provide proper arch support to prevent the inward rolling often associated with flat feet.
• Orthotics, such as arch support inserts in your shoes, to provide increased support
• Weight loss, as the extra pounds put additional pressure on your heels and arches
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
• Flat feet surgery, which is rarely necessary. The procedure relieves your issues, however, because it’s designed to lift your arches and repair problems with the bones, tissues and muscles of your feet.

The good news is that flat feet don’t always require treatment. If you aren’t experiencing pain, you don’t have to curtail daily activities or sports. While you should avoid wearing high heels and other non-supportive shoes, flat feet usually don’t indicate other serious medical concerns. Just to be safe, schedule an appointment at Premier Podiatry for a thorough exam.

Premier Podiatry: Velimir Petkov, DPM

☎(973) 315-5555

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