Having flat feet isn’t automatically a problem that needs fixing. Many people live their entire lives with little-to-no arch height without experiencing pain or limitations. Problems start when flat feet create mechanical issues that throw off how your whole body moves.
At Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates in Mission Viejo, California, serving patients throughout South Orange County, we help people understand when their flat feet need attention and what can be done about it.
Here’s what you need to know about flat feet, when they become problematic, and your treatment options.
Understanding the difference between flexible and rigid flat feet helps explain why some people have problems while others don’t.
Flexible flat feet collapse when you put weight on them, then spring back up when you lift your foot. It’s especially common in children, though most grow out of it. This constant up-and-down motion creates instability that your body has to compensate for.
Rigid flat feet stay flat whether you're sitting, standing, or walking. This fixed position can create its own set of problems, particularly with shock absorption and adapting to uneven surfaces.
When your arch collapses, the misalignment travels up your leg. This altered foot position can change how forces move through your ankle, knee, and hip during walking and standing.
Common problems that stem from flat feet include:
Sometimes these secondary problems become more bothersome than the flat feet themselves.
Most people assume flat feet are something you’re born with, but that’s not always true. Adult-acquired flat foot happens when the posterior tibial tendon that holds up your arch gets damaged or worn out.
This tendon runs along the inside of your ankle and connects to several bones in your midfoot. When it starts failing, your arch gradually collapses, even if you had perfectly normal arches your whole life.
What works depends on whether your feet are flexible or rigid, whether you were born this way or developed it later, and how much it bothers you day-to-day.
Nonsurgical treatments help many patients with flat feet. Custom orthotics support your arch and control excessive movement when you walk. These aren’t the same as drugstore inserts; they’re made specifically for how your feet move and what they need.
Physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support your arch and improves stability throughout your foot and ankle.
When conservative treatment doesn’t provide enough relief, surgery can rebuild your arch and restore function. The exact procedure depends on which structures are damaged and how much flexibility remains in your foot. Common types of foot surgery include:
Our team conducts a thorough evaluation after implementing conservative therapies to determine the appropriate surgical procedure.
Flat feet that cause pain or interfere with your daily activities deserve professional attention. Our thorough approach helps us recommend the treatment that targets your specific situation.
Call Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates in Mission Viejo, California, at 949-364-2525, or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation.
