Flat Feet Treatment

If the soles of your feet make contact with the ground whenever you stand up or take a step, you may benefit from flatfeet treatment. At Align Foot & Ankle Center, in Camarillo, California, experienced podiatrist Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS and the team offer several types of minimally invasive flatfeet treatment. Call the nearest office to receive flatfeet treatment today or book online.

What is flatfeet treatment?

Flatfeet treatment is a podiatry subspecialty that diagnoses “flat feet” or fallen arches. 

Everyone has flat feet at birth, but most people develop arches by the age of six or seven. Experts don’t know why, but some people never develop arches. While this typically isn’t a problem, in some cases, it increases the risk of musculoskeletal problems, like foot and ankle pain.

Who should consider flatfeet treatment?

Consider enrolling in flatfeet treatment at Align Foot & Ankle Center if the bottoms of your feet make contact with the floor whenever you stand up or take a step. That’s especially true if you have other symptoms, like heel pain, arch pain, or swelling inside your ankle.

What causes flatfeet?

Flatfeet develops for various reasons, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight
• A history of foot or ankle injuries
• Arthritis
• The natural aging process

You’re also more likely to have flatfeet if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, a metabolic disease that affects your pancreas’ ability to regulate high blood sugar.

How is flatfeet diagnosed?

To diagnose flatfeet, the team at Align Foot & Ankle Center reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. During the exam, your provider looks at your heels and the backs of your feet. They ask you to stand on your toes and check the strength of your calf and ankle muscles.  

Next, your provider orders diagnostic imaging. They might suggest X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan, depending on your symptoms. These procedures can diagnose underlying health problems, like arthritis, sprains, or tendinitis.

What does flatfeet treatment involve?

At Align Foot & Ankle Center, the team treats flatfeet using conservative and minimally invasive measures. They might recommend:

• Shoe inserts
• Stretching exercises
• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Sports medicine
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication
• Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes
• Maintaining a healthy weight

If your symptoms continue or don’t improve, the team might recommend surgery. There’s no operation to correct flatfeet specifically, but various procedures can repair bone or tendon problems causing the pain.

Call the nearest Align Foot & Ankle Center office to learn more about flatfeet treatment today, or click the online booking feature.