Every step you take should be comfortable, not painful. Yet for many people with flat feet, even routine activities like walking or standing are sources of foot and ankle pain. You might notice your feet tiring more quickly than they should, or experience pain that radiates up through your ankles, knees, and even your lower back.
As someone who had a problem with flat feet himself, Dr. Alexander Thomas at Michigan Foot & Ankle Services understands the impact of this condition on daily life. Our team offers you comprehensive treatment options including custom orthotics, appropriate footwear recommendations, and exercises to improve foot function. Here’s what you need to know about this condition and how we can help.
Understanding Flat Feet and Their Impact
Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, occur when your soles flatten, allowing the entire instep to touch the floor when standing. This common condition affects approximately 30% of the population to some degree. Your foot's arch serves as a natural shock absorber, distributing your body weight evenly across your feet and legs. When this structure collapses, it can lead to:
- Severe discomfort. Many patients experience aching or pain in the arch, heel, or ankle, which often worsens after standing or physical activity.
- Alignment issues. Flat feet alter how weight transfers through your body, potentially affecting your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
- Fatigue and muscle strain. Without proper arch support, the muscles in your feet and legs work harder during normal activities, leading to quicker fatigue.
- Reduced athletic performance. The decreased shock absorption and altered biomechanics impact your ability to perform certain physical activities, especially in high-performance sports.
While some people with flat feet never have problems, others tell us this condition greatly affects their mobility and comfort. Symptom severity often correlates with the degree of arch collapse and can worsen with age or increased activity.
Types of Flat Feet We Treat at Michigan Foot & Ankle Specialists
Yes, there are actually different kinds of fallen arches affecting people of all ages. Our multi-lingual team takes pride in providing a thorough examination and diagnosis of:
- Congenital flat feet. Some people are born with fallen arches due to their foot structure. This condition may run in families and is often apparent in children.
- Adult-acquired flatfoot. This progressive condition typically affects adults and may result from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, when the tendon supporting the arch weakens over time.
- Flexible flat feet. Many children display this. Their arches appear when sitting or standing on tiptoes but flatten when standing normally.
- Rigid flat feet. This more serious condition means the arch is always flat, even when not bearing weight. It often causes considerable pain and mobility issues.
- Traumatic flat feet. Injuries such as fractures or dislocations can damage the structures supporting the arch.
Our Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Dr. Thomas is dedicated to a patient-centered approach to treating flat feet. We recognize that each case is unique and requires individualized attention and care, so our treatment protocol follows a comprehensive path.
Detailed Diagnosis
Before recommending any treatment, we perform a thorough assessment to understand the specifics of your condition. This typically includes:
- Physical examination. We evaluate your foot structure, flexibility, and areas of tenderness or pain.
- Gait analysis. Observing how you walk helps us identify abnormal patterns that may contribute to your symptoms.
Imaging studies. X-rays, ultrasounds, or other imaging may be used to get a clearer picture of your arches and identify any underlying issues.
Conservative Treatment Options
For many of our patients with flat feet, conservative treatments provide great relief, so we frequently offer:
- Custom orthotics. These prescription shoe inserts are designed specifically for your feet, providing targeted support where you need it most. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics address your unique foot structure and walking pattern.
- Supportive footwear. We recommend shoes that provide better arch support and stability, especially for athletic activities, to help lessen symptoms and prevent progression.
- Physical therapy. Specific exercises strengthen the muscles that support your arch, improving foot function and reducing pain.
- Bracing or taping. For some of our patients, temporary bracing or athletic taping techniques provide additional support while healing or during physical activities.
- Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications and localized cortisone injections may also help decrease pain and swelling associated with irritated flat feet.
If necessary, Dr. Thomas might also recommend various surgical procedures that reconstruct the arch, repair damaged tendons, or correct bone alignment. These are typically considered only after non-surgical approaches are exhausted.
Living with flat feet doesn't mean you have to accept discomfort as a normal part of life. Many of our patients find relief through Dr. Thomas’ targeted care and personal understanding of this condition. However, what worked for him might not be what benefits you—that’s why treatment plans are tailored specifically to your needs.