What to Do About Flat Feet

Flat feet, sometimes known as flatfoot, fallen arches, or by the medical term pes planus, is a common condition in which there is little to no arch in the bottom of the feet while standing. If you notice this condition in yourself or a family member, you may be concerned that flat feet could cause serious problems down the road. 

At Capital Podiatry Associates, residents of Alexandria, Virginia, and the surrounding region have access to outstanding podiatry care. Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, lead the practice and deliver highly customized services to patients of all ages, including those concerned about flat feet. 

What are flat feet and how do they develop?

Flat feet have no or very low arches. People with flat feet might have a visible arch while sitting, but upon standing the bottom of the feet are almost completely flat against the floor or ground. 

All infants are born with flat feet, and arches usually develop during early childhood. But for some children, they never do. People with normal arches can also develop flat feet later in life. This often occurs due to issues like foot and ankle injury, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes. 

Your arches are composed of bones and connective tissues. They play an important role in mobility, helping absorb shock as you walk, jump, or run. Foot arches also protect the blood vessels and nerves in the bottom of your feet and help your feet adapt to uneven or changing surfaces as you move. 

What are some potential problems that can arise with flat feet?

Not everyone with flat feet will develop symptoms. But knowing what to look for can help you understand when to seek treatment for yourself or a loved one. 

Here are some issues that can develop in people with flat feet:

• Pain while walking
• Shin splints
• Ankle pain
• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Ankle instability
• Repetitive strain injuries

Left untreated, foot pain can eventually become chronic, interfering with normal routines and persisting for long periods of time. 

How do I care for flat feet?

If you’re concerned about flat feet, it never hurts to have a podiatry specialist examine your feet and discuss the best way to care for flat feet. Imaging shows the exact alignment of your bone structure, giving your practitioner a baseline to refer to if future foot health issues develop. 

You’ll learn how to manage occasional foot aches and pains, including special stretches that can ease or prevent foot pain. They may suggest custom orthotics to help provide proper support. You wear orthotics inside your shoes, which changes the way your body weight is distributed across the soles of your feet. 

If you experience significant foot pain or other symptoms, physical therapy can help strengthen your feet and reduce pain. If an underlying condition like obesity or chronic disease is a factor, efforts to improve those conditions can dramatically reduce foot health issues. 

Finally, surgical intervention remains an option when you don’t find relief through less invasive treatment methods. If flatfoot reconstruction surgery could be the right approach for you, we provide all the details you need to make an informed decision about how to move forward. 

Don’t delay working with a podiatrist

If you worry about flat feet or any other foot health condition, schedule a visit at Capital Podiatry Associates. You’ll receive science-backed guidance on whether you need treatment and a full explanation of all available options, including taking a wait-and-see approach. 

You can reach the office by phone during normal business hours, or schedule an appointment using our online booking tool.