Does standing or walking leave your feet aching and fatigued? Do you notice your shoes wearing unevenly, or feel pain radiating from your feet up through your legs? You might be living with flat feet.
It’s easy to assume that flat feet is a condition you just have to accept. In reality, though, the experienced providers at Physicians Footcare™ can combine advanced diagnostic technology with compassionate, patient-centered care to provide relief and restore your comfort.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a condition in which you have little to no arch in your feet. When you stand, there should be a gap between the inner part of your feet and the floor. If your arch does not slightly raise off the ground, you likely have flat feet. While some people with this condition experience no issues, many find that flat feet cause pain and discomfort that affects their daily lives.
Some individuals are born with flat feet, while others develop the condition over time. Many children may appear to have flat feet, but their arches generally develop normally as they grow. For adults, flat feet can result from various factors and may worsen without proper care.
What Causes Flat Feet?
People develop flat feet for many reasons. Understanding the cause of your condition helps determine the most effective treatment approach. Common causes include:
Why Do Flat Feet Cause Pain?
Flat feet may cause pain due to strained muscles and connecting ligaments. Those without flat feet get support from the spring that a normal arch provides to help distribute body weight while walking. When the arch is no longer present, excessive pressure is placed on the muscles and ligaments in your feet. This strain is what causes pain and can lead to issues in your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back as your body tries to compensate.
Treatment Options for Flat Feet
To manage flat-foot discomfort, several effective approaches can ease your pain and improve your mobility.
Stretching and Exercises
Heel cord stretches are a great way to stretch your Achilles tendon and help loosen your calf muscles, which are often strained due to flat feet. Rolling a golf ball back and forth on the floor while seated is another excellent stretch, especially for your plantar fascia ligament.
Conservative Care
Treating flat feet or fallen arches includes plenty of rest, frequently icing the affected area to reduce swelling, and performing daily stretches to loosen muscles and relieve strain.
Orthotics and Support
Custom orthotics or shoe inserts can help relieve pain by providing the arch support your feet need. Our in-house certified pedorthist can fit, fabricate, adjust, and modify custom devices tailored to your feet and lower-limb needs.
Why Choose Physicians Footcare for Flat Feet Treatment in South Carolina & Georgia?
At Physicians Footcare, we understand that your feet carry you through life, and foot pain shouldn’t hold you back. Our team provides exceptional, compassionate, and accessible foot and ankle care with cutting-edge technology and a patient-centered approach.
We offer advanced diagnostic tools, including our unique CT truck with mobile 3D standing CT imaging, allowing us to see exactly what’s happening with your feet and arches. With our open price transparency program, you’ll also always know what to expect through every stage of your treatment.
Address Flat Feet Today
If you or someone you know has flat feet, we can help. Living with foot pain doesn’t have to be your reality. A Physicians Footcare podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet to provide a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Request an appointment now and start working toward pain-free living.