Get Relief From Flat Feet With Our Professional Podiatry Care
Not everyone grows out of flat foot, which is why at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our talented podiatry team will begin a conservative treatment to provide pain relief. At our locations in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, we offer conservative and surgical care using the latest high-tech equipment and protocols.
Flexible Flat Foot
Flexible flatfoot is most common during childhood due to the natural development of the foot arches. This condition applies when the foot shows an arch when the person does not apply weight to their foot and then the arch will collapse when they are standing.
For children, this condition usually does not cause any pain and will improve as the child grows older. If an adult still has flat foot, then it is most likely due to heredity. For some, this can be asymptomatic, however, to alleviate any pain it is important to see a podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney. Your podiatrist can recommend orthotics to provide support for your foot.
Rigid Flat Foot
Rigid flat foot is a serious condition that can be linked to certain types of bone or joint disorders, such as tarsal coalition. Rigid flat foot can be diagnosed in children once they have reached the age of 6 with no signs of a natural forming foot arch. Unlike flexible flat foot, rigid flat foot will continue to have a collapsed arch even when there is not any pressure applied to the foot.
Rigid flatfoot in children, teens, or adults can be indicative of a structural issue or misalignment due to a congenital disorder or injury. It is important to have this painful condition examined and treated by one of our board-certified podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney.
What Is a Tarsal Coalition?
Tarsal coalition is a foot deformity that occurs when the two tarsal bones, located in the back of the foot, are connected either by bone, cartilage, or fibrous tissue. This condition is one of the underlying reasons why a person could be diagnosed with rigid flat foot.
Even though tarsal coalition is not diagnosed until late childhood or adolescence, abnormal bone development begins during the fetal stages. The person will only show signs of this condition as their bones start maturing. Other less common circumstances that have led to tarsal coalition include infection, arthritis, or an injury to the area.
Tarsal coalition is commonly known to cause limited and painful mobility of the foot. Other symptoms include:
- Mild or severe pain when walking or standing
- Tired or achy legs
- Muscle spasms in the leg, causing the foot to turn outward when walking
- Rigid Flatfoot (in one or both feet)
- Walking with a limp
- Stiffness of the foot and ankle
Reconstruction For Painful Flat Foot
Every case of flat foot is different and in most cases, a conservative treatment plan is enough to provide relief from flat foot pain. For severe cases, reconstruction surgery is the only way to achieve long-term pain relief. This procedure involves the re-alignment of the bones in the foot, as well as the ligaments, tendons, and fascia which support them. It may also involve the use of an artificial joint, such as a subtler joint implant.
By reshaping the foot bones and supporting structures, such as tendons, ligaments, and muscles, this surgical treatment will improve your foot's anatomical alignment. This alignment can correct the deformity, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve the function of the foot. It is important to note that while this procedure can provide significant improvements, it can also involve a long period of recovery, and the need for physical therapy to help with the rehabilitation process.