Flat Feet Care and Custom Orthotics

What You Need To Know

Understanding flat feet, why they cause pain, and how treatment can help.

Understanding Flat Feet and Arch Support

The arch of your foot is its main supportive structure. If this arch loses strength, the bony framework begins to collapse, causing your foot to flatten. Like a sagging bridge, the weakness in the middle strains the joints at both ends of your foot.

Flat foot is a common condition where the arch is flattened and the entire sole of the foot touches the ground when standing. Your arch helps absorb force during weight-bearing activities like running and walking. Flat foot tends to run in families, and it can also be caused by nerve issues, rheumatoid arthritis, damaged tendons, or an injury.

Discomfort often doesn’t appear for years. At some point, pain may be felt and walking may become awkward as strain builds on your feet and calves. Flat feet can cause easily-tired feet, aches in the arches and heels, difficulty standing on tip-toe, hip, leg, and back pain, and swollen soles.

Adult-acquired flatfoot is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon. If untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and even serious disability. The excess strain can also contribute to hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, corns, and neuromas.

To find the right treatment, your podiatrist reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and performs a complete exam including a gait analysis. X-ray, MRI, or CT imaging may be ordered if a bone or soft tissue problem is suspected. If you are noticing pain or fatigue in your feet, schedule an evaluation so care can begin early.

Treatment and Daily Care for Flat Feet

If flat feet are diagnosed at an early age, chances are good that nonsurgical treatment can help the problem. Nonsurgical care may include stretching exercises, physical therapy, icing, supportive taping or bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, custom-fitted orthotics to support the arch, and wearing supportive shoes. Taping your feet can temporarily maintain the proper position of your feet, and custom orthotics can readjust the weight-bearing position of your feet using soft, semi-flexible, or rigid inserts depending on your weight and physical activity. If the foot is damaged or the pain is severe, we may discuss surgery with you to relieve pain and restore normal function.

To help ease the pain of flat feet, try stretching your soles and tendons as part of your daily routine. Lean on something stationary, with one leg in front of the other and both heels flat. Bend the front knee and hold for 10 seconds. Then bend your back knee, bringing the heel up, and hold for 10 seconds. Do this 5 times with each leg.

Be sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable, with enough space in the toe box for toes to wiggle. Women should wear low-heeled shoes, not pumps. Those with flat feet should also avoid high-impact sports like running and basketball, which can worsen strain on the arch.

Warm-water soaks or ice massages can help relieve pain. If you have diabetes or a circulation problem, talk with your podiatrist first. With consistent care, most patients find real relief and can return to comfortable daily activity.