Flat feet don’t always cause problems, but pain in the soles of your feet or frequent complications like shin splints may have direct links to your lack of arches. At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, our podiatrists adeptly treat flat feet and their complications with orthotics and exercises. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding Flat Feet
Foot mechanics work best when feet have arches, but some people have either very shallow arches or none at all. You might naturally have flat feet, or your feet might get flatter over time because of injuries or repeated stress on the soles.
You’ll know you have flat feet if the entire sole of each foot touches the floor when you stand up. If you have no symptoms or complications, you don’t need to worry about having flat feet. However, if a flat foot causes symptoms or concerns, our highly skilled Central Maryland podiatrists can evaluate them and provide treatment, if necessary.
Flat Foot Symptoms and Complications
Flat feet rarely cause discomfort, but in some cases, people with the condition may feel some pain or pressure in the middle of the bottom of the foot. This pain may worsen when you exercise, walk for long distances, or stand for expensive periods. It’s also possible to experience other complications directly associated with flat feet. If you have flat feet, you might have an increased risk of developing any of the following:
- Shin splints
- Rolled ankles
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Lower back pain
- Soft tissue inflammation
- Plantar fasciitis
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
If you’re suffering from any of these conditions along with your flat feet, Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center can help. We can recommend and implement treatments for complications like plantar fasciitis, and treating your flat feet lowers your risk of recurrence.
Flat Foot Treatment
Treating flat feet isn’t always necessary, but you might choose to do so if you regularly suffer from pain in the soles of your feet or have complications. While you might assume that the only way to correct flat feet is with surgery, this isn’t the case.
Our knowledgeable podiatrists may be able to fit you with devices that simulate arches for your foot, like supportive orthotic inserts. Even over-the-counter orthotics can give your feet a little more support and help relieve symptoms and complications of flat feet. Additionally, if you don’t currently wear shoes with good support, you should consider shopping for sneakers and avoiding sandals and flats.
We can also teach you strengthening exercises to treat a shortened Achilles tendon, which often contributes to flat feet, or help you analyze and improve your running form to relieve pain. Also, though Annapolis Foot and Ankle Center doesn’t perform surgery for flat feet alone, we can treat some flat feet complications with surgery and improve your feet function in the process.
Schedule an Appointment
Don’t ignore painful flat feet. Our podiatrists provide the world-class care you need to get back on your feet without pain. Complete the contact form to schedule an appointment with a specialist in Annapolis, Stevensville, or Glen Burnie.