Your feet provide the foundation for your entire body. When the arches of your feet are lower than normal, it can change the way your feet and legs move and may contribute to foot pain, arch pain, knee discomfort, and other problems with your lower extremities.
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, are common and don’t always cause symptoms. However, when flat feet begin causing pain or affecting the way you walk, a professional evaluation can help determine what is happening and what treatment may be appropriate.
At Vargas Foot Specialists, Dr. Marco A. Vargas provides personalized foot and ankle care for patients throughout Sugar Land, Houston, Katy, Richmond, Missouri City, Rosenberg, and surrounding communities.
A person with flat feet has little or no visible arch when standing. In some cases, the arch may appear when the foot is not bearing weight but flatten when standing or walking.
Flat feet can be related to genetics, foot structure, aging, injuries, or changes in the tendons and ligaments that support the arch.
Some people with flat feet never experience problems. Others may develop foot pain, tired feet, arch discomfort, or changes in their walking pattern.
Yes. When the arch does not provide adequate support, pressure may be distributed differently throughout the foot.
This can contribute to:
Flat feet can also be associated with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, especially when changes in foot mechanics place additional stress on the plantar fascia.
Your feet, ankles, knees, and hips work together whenever you walk. Changes in the way your feet move can affect the alignment and mechanics of the lower extremities.
For some people, excessive inward rolling of the foot, known as overpronation, can contribute to changes in how the legs move and place additional stress on the knees.
This doesn’t mean that flat feet are always the cause of knee pain. Knee discomfort can have many causes, which is why a proper evaluation is important.
Flat feet don’t necessarily require treatment. However, you should consider seeing a podiatrist for foot pain if you experience:
An evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are related to flat feet or another underlying condition.
For some patients, custom orthotics can be an important part of managing symptomatic flat feet.
Unlike generic shoe inserts, custom orthotics are designed around the individual’s foot structure and specific needs. They may provide additional arch support, help distribute pressure, and improve overall foot mechanics.
At Vargas Foot Specialists, Dr. Marco A. Vargas can determine whether custom-made orthotics may be appropriate as part of your personalized treatment plan.
Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, other treatments may also be recommended, including MLS Laser Therapy, EPAT® Shockwave Therapy, supportive footwear, stretching, and activity modifications.
Flat feet may be something you’ve had your entire life, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with pain.
If your foot pain, heel pain, arch pain, or knee discomfort is affecting your daily activities, finding the underlying cause is the first step toward appropriate treatment.
If you’re searching for a podiatrist in Sugar Land, a foot doctor near Houston, or treatment for flat feet and foot pain, Vargas Foot Specialists provides comprehensive foot and ankle care tailored to each patient.
Dr. Marco A. Vargas treats a wide range of conditions, including flat feet, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, arthritis, foot injuries, and chronic foot pain.
If flat feet are affecting the way you walk or causing pain in your feet or knees, schedule an evaluation with Vargas Foot Specialists to learn more about your condition and your treatment options.
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