Can Flat Feet Be Corrected in Adults?

Flat feet, also known as flatfoot, is a common structural abnormality that occurs when you don’t have any arches. This means the soles of your feet make direct contact with the ground every time you stand up or take a step.

At Foot and Ankle Excellence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, experienced podiatrist Bruni Leka, DPM, provides complete care for flat feet. This blog explains what causes flat feet and highlights some of the most effective treatment options.

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet can occur for various reasons. In most cases, they’re due to genetics. Everyone is born with flat feet, but the arches typically develop between the ages of 4 and 10. However, that doesn’t always happen.

Other things that may cause flat feet include:

• Foot and ankle injuries, like broken bones
• Aging
• Medical conditions, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis

Many people with flat feet don’t experience symptoms, but for others, the lack of an arch causes pain and limited mobility.

If you fall into the latter category, seeking professional care is essential. Various treatments exist that can alleviate pain and help you return to your favorite activities.

How flat feet are corrected in adults

We offer several types of flatfoot treatments at Foot and Ankle Excellence. After a podiatry exam and discussion of your symptoms, Dr. Leka develops a personalized treatment plan. She could recommend:

Custom orthotics

Custom orthotics are prescription shoe inserts. They look similar to over-the-counter (OTC) insoles you can buy, but are designed to support the unique structure of your feet. These custom arch supports won’t cure flat feet but they can provide additional support and alleviate pain.

Stretching exercises

People with flexible flatfoot — a type of flatfoot that causes the arch of the foot to collapse when standing — also tend to have shorter-than-average Achilles tendons. This can exacerbate pain, especially when walking.

Targeted stretching exercises can help extend the Achilles tendon, relieving inflammation and supporting mobility.

Physical therapy

If you have flat feet caused by physical activities, like running or playing sports, Dr. Leka may prescribe physical therapy. A physical therapist who specializes in flat feet can recommend targeted exercises that strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in and around your arches and improve your gait (walking pattern).

Surgery

Most cases of flat feet respond to conservative, noninvasive treatments. However, if your pain continues and limits your ability to exercise or do other things you enjoy, surgery may be necessary.

During flatfoot surgery, Dr. Leka realigns the bones and tendons in your foot to restore its arch. No two procedures are exactly alike, but flatfoot surgery often involves fusing joints, cutting bones, or transferring tendons.

Contact us about flatfoot treatment today!

Flat feet can severely limit mobility and quality of life, but help is available. To explore your treatment options for flat feet, contact Foot and Ankle Excellence today. Call our office at 215-608-6104 or use the online booking feature.