About two out of 10 children enter adulthood with flat feet. While the condition usually isn’t serious, without podiatry care, it can result in chronic foot pain or gait abnormalities. At Total Family Foot Care, Terry Wright, DPM, and Jacquelyn Perry, DPM, specialize in the treatment of flat feet. To make an appointment at the practice in Fort Worth or Arlington, Texas, call the nearest office or click the online booking feature today.

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What are flat feet?

If you have flat feet, it means the soles of your feet make direct contact with the ground whenever you stand up or take a step. Everyone is born with flat feet, but arches typically develop by the age of six. Experts aren’t entirely sure why, but some people never develop arches. When that occurs, it can result in foot pain and other potential issues.

What are the types of flat feet?

At Total Family Foot Care, Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry treat several types of flat feet, including:

Flexible flat feet

Flexible flat feet develop during adolescence. If you have flexible flat feet, you can see your arches when sitting, but as soon as you stand up, they go away.

Rigid flat feet

If you have rigid flat feet, you can’t see your arches regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing. Like flexible flat feet, rigid flat feet develop during adolescence and get progressively worse with age.

Adult-acquired flat feet

Adult acquired flat feet (or a fallen arch) occur when the arch of one (or both) feet collapses suddenly. Most people experience a fallen arch due to a sports-related injury, like an inflamed or torn tendon.

Vertical talus

Vertical talus is a type of flat foot that’s present at birth. It’s a congenital issue that prevents a baby’s arches from forming as they should.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Common symptoms of flat feet include:

  • Leg cramps
  • Muscle pain
  • Pain that affects the arch, heel, or outer edge of the foot
  • Pain when walking

As your condition gets worse, you might also experience toe drift, a condition that causes one or more of your toes to point outward.

How are flat feet diagnosed?

At Total Family Foot Care, Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry diagnose flat feet by reviewing your health history, asking about your symptoms, and physically examining your feet. During the exam, your provider evaluates your arches and observes them when you’re sitting, standing, and walking.

Your provider might also order X-rays to assess the bones and joints in your feet and to determine the best treatment.

How are flat feet treated?

Often, people with flat feet don’t experience symptoms. If you regularly experience foot pain or foot sensitivity, and it keeps you from work or exercise, don’t wait to seek professional help.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Dr. Wright and Dr. Perry might recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication, participating in physical therapy, or using a supportive device like custom orthotics.

To explore the treatment options for flat feet, make an appointment at Total Family Foot Care by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.