Flat feet occur when the arches remain low or collapse while standing. Some people with flat feet have no symptoms, while others experience arch pain, heel pain, ankle discomfort, fatigue, or difficulty remaining active.
At Preferred Footcare, our podiatrists provide personalized flat feet treatment in Stamford, Connecticut. We evaluate your arch structure, foot movement, ankle alignment, and symptoms to determine whether treatment is needed.
If flat feet are causing pain, weakness, or changes in the way you walk, call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment with Preferred Footcare.
Request an AppointmentWhat Are Flat Feet?
A normal arch helps distribute pressure and support the body during standing, walking, and running. With flat feet, part or all of the arch contacts the ground while standing.
Flat feet can affect one foot or both feet. The condition may be present from childhood or develop later because of injury, tendon weakness, arthritis, or gradual changes in foot structure.
There are two general types:
Flexible Flat Feet
With flexible flat feet, the arch may be visible while sitting or standing on the toes but flatten when weight is placed on the foot.
This type is common and does not always cause symptoms. Treatment may only be necessary when pain, fatigue, or movement problems develop.
Rigid Flat Feet
With rigid flat feet, the arch remains low whether the person is standing or sitting. The foot may also feel stiff or painful.
Rigid flat feet may be associated with arthritis, an abnormal connection between bones, a previous injury, or another structural condition.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet may develop for several reasons. Some people inherit a foot structure that makes the arches more likely to remain low or flatten during weight-bearing.
Possible causes and contributing factors include:
- Inherited foot structure
- Flexible joints and ligaments
- Weakness of the arch-supporting muscles
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
- Posterior tibial tendon problems
- Foot or ankle injuries
- Arthritis
- Tarsal coalition
- Nerve or muscle conditions
- Changes associated with aging
- Increased pressure on the feet
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy-related ligament changes
- Repetitive activity
The posterior tibial tendon is one of the structures that helps maintain the arch. If it becomes inflamed, stretched, or damaged, the arch may gradually collapse. This condition is sometimes called adult-acquired flatfoot.
A foot that becomes flatter during adulthood, especially on only one side, should be professionally evaluated.
Flat Feet Symptoms
Not everyone with flat feet experiences discomfort. Symptoms may develop when the foot is unable to distribute pressure or support movement effectively.
Possible symptoms include:
- Pain along the arch
- Heel pain
- Pain on the inside of the ankle
- Swelling near the inside of the ankle
- Foot or leg fatigue
- Aching after prolonged standing
- Difficulty walking or running
- Ankle weakness
- Shoes wearing unevenly
- The heel turning outward
- The front of the foot shifting outward
- Difficulty standing on the toes
- Stiffness in the foot
- Pain extending into the knees, hips, or lower back
Symptoms may become more noticeable after increasing activity, standing for an extended period, or wearing shoes without adequate support.
When to See a Podiatrist
Schedule an evaluation if:
- Flat feet cause recurring pain
- One foot becomes flatter than the other
- The arch appears to be collapsing
- You notice swelling along the inside of the ankle
- The foot becomes increasingly stiff
- You have difficulty standing on your toes
- Symptoms interfere with exercise or work
- Supportive shoes no longer provide enough relief
- A child experiences foot pain or activity limitations
A sudden change in arch height or foot shape may indicate a tendon injury or another condition requiring prompt evaluation.
How Flat Feet Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination of the feet and ankles while sitting, standing, and walking.
During your appointment, the podiatrist may:
- Observe the arches while you stand
- Determine whether the feet are flexible or rigid
- Examine the position of the heels
- Assess ankle movement
- Check the Achilles tendon and calf flexibility
- Evaluate the posterior tibial tendon
- Ask you to stand on your toes
- Examine your shoes for unusual wear
- Observe how you walk
- Review previous injuries and health conditions
- Identify areas of pain or swelling
Weight-bearing X-rays may be recommended to evaluate bone alignment, joint position, arthritis, or structural changes.
Diagnostic ultrasound or MRI may be used when a tendon injury or another soft-tissue problem is suspected. Additional testing may be considered when a nerve or muscle condition contributes to the deformity.
A low arch alone does not determine whether treatment is needed. The podiatrist will also consider your symptoms, activity level, flexibility, and changes in foot function.
Flat Feet Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, flexibility, and symptoms. Painless flat feet may not require treatment beyond monitoring and supportive footwear.
Supportive Footwear
Shoes with appropriate arch support, heel stability, and a firm sole may improve comfort. Worn-out or unsupportive shoes may increase strain on the arches.
The best footwear depends on your foot structure, occupation, and normal activities.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may support the arches, improve pressure distribution, and reduce strain on the feet and ankles.
Orthotics do not permanently create an arch or change the underlying bone structure. Their purpose is to support the foot and improve comfort and function.
Stretching Exercises
Tight calf muscles and Achilles tendons can place additional stress on the feet. Stretching may improve ankle flexibility and reduce strain during walking.
Exercises should be selected based on the cause of the flat feet. A painful or damaged tendon may require a different program than a flexible, painless foot.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening the muscles that support the feet and ankles may help improve stability. Balance and movement exercises may also be recommended.
Activity Modification
Activities that repeatedly increase pain may need to be temporarily reduced or adjusted. Lower-impact activities may help you remain active while decreasing stress on the feet.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may include flexibility work, strengthening, balance training, and guidance on walking or returning to exercise.
Bracing
A foot or ankle brace may be recommended when a tendon is weak or the deformity is progressing. Bracing can provide more support than a standard shoe insert.
Immobilization
A walking boot may be used when a painful tendon or joint requires additional rest. Immobilization is generally recommended for a limited period.
Medication
Medication may be recommended to manage pain and inflammation. Discuss your health history and current medications with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Surgery
Surgery may be considered when severe pain, tendon damage, arthritis, or a rigid deformity does not improve with appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
The procedure depends on the cause and severity of the flat foot. Surgery may involve repairing a tendon, realigning bones, lengthening a tight structure, stabilizing a joint, or correcting a related deformity.
Flat Feet in Children
Many infants and young children appear to have flat feet because the arches have not fully developed and the feet contain a natural layer of soft tissue.
As children grow, the arches may become more visible. Flexible flat feet without pain often do not require treatment.
A child should be evaluated if flat feet are accompanied by:
- Foot or ankle pain
- Frequent tripping
- Difficulty keeping up with other children
- Avoidance of physical activity
- Uneven shoe wear
- Stiffness
- One foot appearing different from the other
- An unusual walking pattern
Children should not automatically receive orthotics simply because their arches appear low. Treatment should be based on symptoms, movement, flexibility, and the underlying cause.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Feet
Do all flat feet require treatment?
No. Flat feet that do not cause pain or limit activity may only require monitoring. Treatment is generally recommended when symptoms or movement problems develop.
Can flat feet develop during adulthood?
Yes. Tendon weakness, injury, arthritis, and gradual structural changes can cause the arch to flatten during adulthood.
Can flat feet cause ankle pain?
Flat feet may increase strain on the tendons and joints around the ankle. Pain and swelling may develop along the inside of the ankle when the posterior tibial tendon is affected.
Can custom orthotics correct flat feet?
Custom orthotics can support the arches and improve pressure distribution, but they do not permanently change the bone structure or create a new arch.
Are flat feet normal in children?
Flat feet are common in young children, and many develop visible arches as they grow. Evaluation is recommended when pain, stiffness, or activity limitations are present.
Can flat feet cause knee or back pain?
Changes in foot alignment may affect movement through the legs. However, knee, hip, or back pain can have several causes and should be evaluated appropriately.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery may be considered for severe pain, progressive arch collapse, tendon damage, arthritis, or a rigid deformity that does not improve with nonsurgical treatment.
Schedule a Flat Feet Evaluation in Stamford, CT
Flat feet do not always require treatment, but pain, weakness, or changes in arch shape should be evaluated. Preferred Footcare can determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate level of support.
Call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment online for flat feet treatment in Stamford, Connecticut.
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