Wichita Podiatrist Explains Causes of Flatfoot and What You Can do About it
Flatfoot is a foot deformity involving the arch of the foot, where the entire foot rests on the ground when standing, rather than having a normal mid-foot rise. Left untreated, this condition often causes discomfort—especially when standing or walking for extended periods—misalignment of knees, hips, and lower back, and even limits mobility and athletic performance. At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, Dr. Weaver and our team offer various solutions for flatfoot.
Typical Causes of Flatfoot
We’re actually born with flat feet. Then, as children, we develop arches. The Cleveland Clinic states, "2 out of 10 children still have flat feet as adults.” Here are some other reasons for fallen arches:
- Genetics, especially if parents have flatfoot
- Injury or trauma
- The arch gradually collapses over time due to aging or weight gain
- Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Symptoms of Flatfoot
In some cases, people don’t feel discomfort right away, especially if flatfoot developed as a child. But if our patients develop fallen arches as adults, they might notice:
- Pain in the foot, particularly in the middle or outside edge
- Additional discomfort while walking or standing
- Lack of foot flexibility
- Localized swelling
- Toe drift
Flatfoot can also develop into progressive flatfoot, or tibialis posterior tendonitis. This occurs when the tibialis posterior tendon is injured, causing inflammation, overstretching, or tearing. This condition, also called adult-acquired flatfoot, can cause chronic pain and may become disabling if not properly treated.
How Our Wichita Podiatrist, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, Treats Flatfoot
Not everyone experiences issues with flatfoot, but if you have any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with our office for a thorough examination. Here are some of the flatfoot treatments we often recommend:
- Physical therapy and stretches to improve flexibility
- Arch supports and custom orthotics, foot braces, and/or supportive tape
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications temporarily
Surgical intervention doesn’t really help flatfoot unless there’s a severe structural issue to address, but we can suggest other lifestyle modifications to help you return to your normal activities without discomfort.