Flat Feet Deformity

Flat feet deformity affects up to 20% of adults. The condition doesn’t always present symptoms, but it causes chronic foot or ankle pain for some people. At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons An Nguyen, DPM, and Anna Wojcik-Stepien, DPM, specialize in diagnosing and treating flat feet deformity in children, teens, and adults. They have a high rate of satisfaction and can help you return to your favorite activities. Call A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, today to make an appointment or book online.

What is a flat feet deformity?

A flat feet deformity, or fallen arches, means the soles of your feet make complete contact with the floor whenever you stand.

Everyone is born with flat feet, but most people develop arches by early childhood. Sometimes, the arches never form. If you have flat feet, it can affect your mobility and quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of a flat feet deformity?

Flat feet deformity symptoms include the following:

• Toe drift (the tops of your toes moving away from each other)
• Pain when walking
• Changes in the way you walk
• Muscle pain

Without treatment, flat feet can cause leg fatigue, leg cramps, and low mobility.

What causes a flat feet deformity?

Most cases of flat feet deformity occur naturally because of genetics. However, underlying medical conditions can also increase your risk, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Broken bones
• Achilles tendinitis
• Sports injuries

If you regularly experience foot or heel pain and it doesn’t improve with at-home treatments, like ice and rest, make an appointment at A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC.

How is a flat feet deformity diagnosed?

Your A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a podiatry exam. They gently press on your heels and the bottoms of your feet to identify sensitive areas and have you stand up and walk around the exam room to assess your posture and how you walk. 

If these tests don’t provide enough information, your provider might order diagnostic imaging, like in-house digital X-rays or an ultrasound. 

How is a flat foot deformity treated?

At A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, the podiatrists treat flat foot deformities using a conservative and patient-oriented approach. They may recommend:

• Custom molded orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Stretches to loosen tight muscles and tendons

If your symptoms continue or fail to improve, you might benefit from foot and ankle surgery. The board-certified foot and ankle surgeons have experience performing both adult and pediatric procedures designed to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of flat feet.

Call A&A Foot and Ankle Specialists, LLC, today to explore the treatment options for a flat foot deformity, or book your appointment online.