Flat Foot Correction at Foot and Ankle Centers

Advanced Flatfoot Correction: Treatments to Restore Your Mobility

Flatfoot, also known as fallen arches, is a condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and even affect the way you walk. While some people with flatfoot experience no symptoms, others may face persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty performing everyday activities. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to address flatfoot and help you regain mobility.

At Foot & Ankle Centers, we specialize in advanced solutions for flatfoot correction, offering personalized care to meet your unique needs. Whether your condition is mild or severe, we can help alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.

What Is Flatfoot?

Flatfoot occurs when the arch of the foot collapses, resulting in the entire sole making contact with the ground. This condition can develop in childhood or later in life due to injury, obesity, or conditions like arthritis. There are two main types of flatfoot:

• Flexible Flatfoot: The arch appears when the foot is off the ground but collapses when weight is applied.
• Rigid Flatfoot: The arch is absent even when the foot is not bearing weight.

Common symptoms of flatfoot include:

• Pain or discomfort in the foot, ankle, or lower leg.
• Swelling along the inside of the foot.
• Difficulty standing on tiptoe or performing physical activities.
• Shoes wearing out unevenly.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional evaluation and care.

Custom Orthotics: Provide Arch Support and Relieve Pain

Custom orthotics are one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for flatfoot. These specially designed shoe inserts provide support for the arch, helping to redistribute pressure and alleviate pain.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics:

• Correct abnormal foot mechanics and improve alignment.
• Provide cushioning to reduce stress on the foot.
• Enhance comfort during walking or physical activities.

At Foot & Ankle Centers, we create custom orthotics tailored to your foot structure, ensuring maximum effectiveness and comfort.

Physical Therapy: Strengthen Muscles to Improve Foot Alignment

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing flatfoot by targeting the muscles and tendons that support the arch. A tailored therapy program can:

• Strengthen the posterior tibial tendon, which is often weakened in flatfoot cases.
• Improve flexibility in the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
• Reduce pain and swelling through targeted exercises and stretches.

Physical therapy can be an excellent option for mild to moderate flatfoot, helping to restore function and prevent the condition from worsening.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Correct Severe Cases and Prevent Further Issues

For cases where non-surgical treatments are insufficient, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These advanced techniques focus on correcting the alignment of the foot and stabilizing the arch with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.

Common Minimally Invasive Treatments Include:

• Tendon Transfers: Reinforce weak or damaged tendons to support the arch.
• Arthroereisis Implants: Insert a small device into the foot to help maintain proper alignment.

Minimally invasive options offer quicker recovery times and reduced risks compared to traditional surgery.

Surgical Options: Realign and Stabilize Your Foot for Long-Term Relief

For severe flatfoot cases that cause significant pain and mobility issues, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery aims to correct the structural problems in the foot, restoring its natural shape and function.

Surgical Techniques May Include:

• Osteotomy: Realigns the bones in the foot to create a proper arch.
• Fusion Surgery: Stabilizes joints that have become misaligned or arthritic.
• Tendon Reconstruction: Repairs or replaces damaged tendons to restore support.

Surgery is typically considered only after exhausting non-surgical options and is tailored to the patient’s specific condition.

When to See a Podiatrist

If flatfoot is causing pain, swelling, or interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. Professional evaluation can:

• Identify the severity and underlying cause of your flatfoot.
• Determine the most effective treatment plan.
• Prevent complications such as joint deformities or chronic pain.

Early intervention is key to managing flatfoot effectively and avoiding long-term problems.

Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Flatfoot doesn’t have to limit your mobility or quality of life. At Foot & Ankle Centers, we offer advanced treatments and personalized care to address your unique needs. From custom orthotics to surgical correction, our team is dedicated to helping you find relief and regain your mobility.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore your treatment options. Let us help you take the first step toward healthier, pain-free feet.