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Experts say flat feet are usually painless and don't require treatment. However, flat feet can cause foot or leg pain, as well as knee and ankle problems in some people. However, researchers say that flat feet can occur if your arches never form or they collapse because of an injury, obesity, aging, or a medical condition.
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Read More To fix your flat feet, make sure you wear shoes with an arched sole, which will provide better support for your feet and relieve your pain. You can also look into getting custom made orthotics, which are semi-rigid shoe inserts designed to support the arch of your feet.
If your feet cause you pain or discomfort, visit your doctor to discuss treatment options, like physiotherapy and surgery. For more tips, including how to identify the different causes of flat feet, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.
Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Medically reviewed by Troy A. Method 1. Flat feet in children is normal. Do the flat surface test to determine flat feet.
Moisten your feet and step onto a dry surface that shows your footprint. If the entire surface of your foot can be discerned from the print, then you have flat feet. A person with normal arches has a crescent of negative space on the inside medial part of their footprint due to lack of contact with the surface.
He or she might also look at the wear pattern on your shoes. Surgery isn't done solely to correct flatfeet.
However, you might have surgery for an associated problem, such as a tendon tear or rupture. If your feet cause you significant pain, your family doctor may refer you to a doctor specializing in foot disorders podiatrist or sports medicine. Wear your everyday shoes to your appointment so your doctor can look at the wear patterns on the soles.
Before the appointment, you might want to write answers to the following questions:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. After 12 weeks, patients usually can transition to wearing a shoe. Inserts and ankle braces often are used. Physical therapy may be recommended. Swelling and discomfort can last for months after surgery, and full recovery can take years.
All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots. Complications following flatfoot surgery may include wound breakdown or incomplete healing of the bones nonunion. These complications often can be prevented with proper wound care and rehabilitation. Occasionally, patients may notice some discomfort due to prominent hardware. Removal of hardware can be done at a later time if this is an issue.
The overall complication rates for flatfoot surgery are low. Will surgical correction of my flatfoot improve the cosmetic appearance of my foot? Surgical correction of flatfoot is aimed primarily at reducing pain and restoring function. Although surgery likely will improve the cosmetic appearance of the foot, it is not a primary goal of treatment.
What activities will I be able to do following flatfoot surgery? With proper correction and rehabilitation, many patients return to active lifestyles. Activities such as walking, biking, driving, and even golfing are well tolerated.
It is less likely, however, that patients will be able to participate in very strenuous high impact activities requiring running, cutting, or jumping. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. Aim to do these exercises at least three times per week.
Ideally, you can fit them into your daily routine and perform them throughout the day. You may wish to use an orthotic device to support your arches and reduce stress on your flat feet. They may help to improve function and alignment of your feet while providing support. Orthotic devices can also help to absorb impact and reduce stress.
You can buy ready-made devices or have them custom made. Stability shoes, such as motion control shoes , can also help to support your arches and provide extra cushioning. Keep in mind that it may take a few weeks of doing these exercises before you begin to see improvements. Be consistent with your approach and continue doing the exercises even after you progress.
Developing a deeper awareness of your body can help you to determine how best to adjust your posture and movement during daily activities to correct body imbalances. Make a conscious effort to pay attention to how you stand, move, and position your body, making micro-adjustments as needed. You may also benefit from orthotics or physical therapy.
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