Flat Feet: What is it? How to treat flat feet?

How do I know I have flat feet?

There are two types of flatfeet: flexible and rigid.

Felxible flatfeet are feet that have an arch (or concave shape) when sitting and the feet flatten out when standing.

Rigid flatfeet that have no arch (straight flat line to the bottom of the foot) when sitting and remain the same when standing.

You might notice when you walk, your feet move outwards or you feel like you are walking like a duck.  Your family members may tell you that you walk really loud or pound your feet when you walk.

You also may out-toed when standing.

Signs and Symptoms of flatfeet

Flat foot pain can be all over the foot.  However, the most commonsigns of flat foot pain is arch pain or ankle pain.  The posterior tibial tendon (the tendon that holds up your arch) weakens when you have flat feet.  This causes your joints to malalgin and it can result in pain in other parts of your foot.

Other symptoms of flatfeet are pain up the leg, pain to the top of the foot and pain to the outer part of your foot.

How to Treat Flat Feet?

First, I would make sure you know that you have flat feet and visit a foot and ankle doctor to help evaluate you foot.

1. Use supportive shoe gear.
2. Get an orthotic to put in your shoes.
3. Do calf stretches.
4. Consider high top shoes if you have ankle pain.

Worried about your flat feet, At Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Institute, we can diagnose and treat your flat feet, give you recommendations on shoes and orthotics, and talk to you about preventative measures.

We treat patients with flat feet from Summerlin, Henderson, Boulder City, Southern Highlands, Mountains Edge and the Greater Las Vegas area.

Call us at 702-997-9833.

Author

Priya Samant, DPM Priya Samant, DPM, is a podiatrist working at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Institute in Henderson, Nevada. Originally from Northern California, Dr. Samant now considers Las Vegas her home. Dr. Samant attended the University of San Francisco, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology. She then attended Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and spent nearly a decade training in the Midwest. Dr. Samant gained her podiatric experience at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan. She spent three years training in diabetic limb salvage, wound care, and Charcot's foot. She also treats foot and ankle pathologies from ingrown toenails to plantar fasciitis and trauma. Dr. Samant takes the time and effort to provide her patients with the most functional and effective treatment plans to ensure a speedy recovery. She has been practicing in Las Vegas for several years. When Dr. Samant is not working, she is spending time with her two daughters and husband. She loves to hike, cook, and