Flat feet are a long-term condition that can lead to unstable ankles and ongoing pain or discomfort. The highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC offer solutions for flat feet that relieve the symptoms and address the ongoing issues caused by the condition. Evaluations for flat feet are offered at all Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC clinics, including Fort Lee, New Jersey, Forest Hills, New York, Gramercy, New York, New York, & East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York. Call the office nearest you or make an appointment online today.

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What causes flat feet?

If your feet don’t have much of an arch or your foot rolls inward (called overpronation) so that your arches collapse when you stand, you have a condition called flat feet. Some things that contribute to flat feet include:

  • Injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Genetics

If you’re overweight or obese, the extra pounds can also cause your feet to overpronate and your arches to flatten.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Sometimes, flat feet don’t cause any problems or additional symptoms. But flat feet can change the balance of your gait, and affect the alignment of your ankles, knees, and even your hips. Walking and bearing weight on misaligned joints can lead to symptoms like:

  • Arch pain
  • Heel pain
  • Ankle pain
  • Ankle instability
  • Knee pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling

You could find that your symptoms get worse when you walk, stand, or exercise, and that they get better after you rest for a while.

How are flat feet diagnosed?

To identify exactly what is causing your arches to flatten, your expert podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC does a thorough foot evaluation, including X-rays and a review of your symptoms and health history.

They also evaluate how you stand and walk to determine if you have a gait abnormality or structural imbalance that’s contributing to your condition.

How are flat feet treated?

Your podiatrist will design a customized plan to address your flat feet based on your individual needs. Your treatment plan can include:

  • Custom orthotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Bracing or splints
  • Changes in footwear
  • Changes in exercise

In some cases, your Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC provider will recommend laser therapy, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery to address conditions that contribute to flat feet or have been caused by your flat feet.

The orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC have extensive experience with procedures that can permanently end your foot pain.

To end the discomfort of flat feet, schedule an evaluation with one of the outstanding team members at the Foot and Ankle Center of NJ & NY, LLC Call the clinic nearest you or make an appointment online today.