What Are Flat Feet?
You have flat feet when the entire sole of your foot touches the floor when you stand or walk. This happens when the arches of your foot don’t develop, or as you age, tendons and ligaments fail to support your foot. A flat foot is a normal variant of foot and doesn’t always cause pain or problems. Flat feet can also occur after an injury or if arches drop with age.
Symptoms
Not everyone with flat feet experiences pain or symptoms. Possible symptoms may include:
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Pain in the heel or arch area
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Pain that worsens with activity
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Swelling at the inside of the ankle
Treatment Options
If flat feet are causing you pain and interfering with your daily activities, your doctor may recommend the following treatment options:
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Arch supports – Orthotic devices can help relieve pain from flat feet. Arch supports can be purchased over the counter or you can have custom-designed orthotics that fit your feet.
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Stretching – Regularly stretching the Achilles tendon can help relieve painful symptoms associated with flat feet.
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Supportive shoes – Shoes with support may be more comfortable and cause less pain than shoes with minimal support, such as flats or sandals.
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Physical therapy – A physical therapist will work closely with your physician to develop exercises to help relieve your symptoms.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of flat feet, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
Learn more about our doctors and care team who diagnose and treat flat feet.