Managing Flat Foot Pain
For some of us, walking for long periods might bring some soreness to our feet, but for others, it can be extremely painful. Patients suffering from flat feet may not experience any pain at all, but prolonged strain can affect the knees and hips. Flat feet could also alter the alignment of your legs and cause further muscle pain. At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we want our patients to pay attention to the comfort of their feet and call a podiatrist when they suspect they’re suffering from any conditions. Let’s take a closer look at flat feet!
Causes
Flat feet is when the arches under your feet aren’t visible when you stand up. This is normal in infants whose arches develop later on in childhood, but some adults retain flat feet. This can also happen due to years of wear and tear, where the tendons that support the arch and run along the inside of your ankle fall over time, or if you have a family member that passed down the gene. There are several risks that could also contribute to the condition, including…
Obesity
Pregnancy
Foot trauma
Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms would be foot pain in the heel or arch where strained muscles and ligaments are affected. Other symptoms include:
Pain when walking or changes in your stance.
Leg cramps
Stiffness in the calves, hip, or lower back
Treatment
Treatment isn’t a necessity if the condition isn’t causing significant problems, but there are several ways to ease discomfort. Surgery is rarely needed to treat flat feet and most people don’t find the need to treat it at all, but for those who seek treatment, here are some options:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Supportive devices such as braces or foot orthotics
Physical therapy to improve mobility.
When to Call a Podiatrist
If you’re experiencing pain while walking or feel like your feet are stiff, it’s always best to consult a podiatrist. Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.