Flat Feet

Flat feet is a condition resulting from foot arch collapse, which strains joints and ligaments on both ends of the foot. Through this condition can cause various issues of the feet and leg pain, flat feet can be treated, and we offer diagnoses as well as early- and late-stage treatment options. Trust our team to provide professional flat feet care in Idaho Falls.

Causes of Flat Feet

There are multiple causes of flat feet, including causes that develop symptoms over time and causes that have more immediate results. Causes of flat feet include:

Arthritis: This includes osteoarthritis, which results from repeated joint use, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, affecting joints.
Genetics: Abnormality in bone fusion and tissue disorders are examples.
Injury / Trauma: Flat feet can result from fractures, ligament damage, and other conditions affecting the foot or ankle.
Repeated Impact: The pounding of feet on hard surfaces can also lead to flat feet.
Skeletal Disorder: These disorders can involve abnormal bone fusion or weak bone strength.
Tendon Dysfunction: A common type is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), which can lead to tendon inflammation, tearing, and rupture.

Flat Feet Symptoms

In many cases, flat feet symptoms such as pain while walking or standing develops over time, and general foot pain caused by flat feet does not typically develop for years. Symptoms of flat feet include:

Arthritis

Flat feet can lead to the wearing away of the cushioning between joints.

Bunions

A bunion is a bony bump that develops near the big toe’s joint as the big toe moves inward.

Hammertoes

One symptom is the development of hammertoes, a buckling of toe joints that causes the middle section of the toes to curve upward.

Neuromas

These are nerve tissue tumors caused by metatarsals, which are the five bones on the top of the foot that connect the ankle and toes, pushing together.

Leg pain

Flat feet can cause pain in the front and back of the legs that radiates up from the foot.

Plantar fasciitis

Another symptom of flat feet is plantar fasciitis, compromise of the ligament that extends along the bottom of the foot.

Tendonitis

This symptom is the inflammation or irritation of tendons.

Flat Feet Evaluation

Evaluation of flat feet can help in determining the causes, stages, and recommended treatment. There are mobility and functionality checks that can be conducted, and, in some cases, technology may be called in to help with an evaluation process. Flat feet evaluation may include the following:

CT Scan

A CT (computed tomography) scan may be ordered if flat feet are leading to severe pain or mobility problems. CT scans provide cross-sectional images of bones to help healthcare providers identify issues and may be used for pre-surgical evaluation.

MRI

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can be helpful in cases of foot pain, suspected injury, or for follow-up evaluation after other imaging tests have been conducted. MRIs may present the presence of issues not shown by other tests and can produce images of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints.

Observation of Performance

A common way to evaluate flat feet is through observation of how the foot arch performs when an individual stands barefoot.

Tiptoe Test

As an individual stands tiptoe, observation is made if the foot arch raises. This test is to help determine if muscle weakness or skeletal deformity is present.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound can help identify problems and diagnose treatment involving tendon issues. Ultrasounds allow for observation during foot motion, unlike static CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.

X-ray

This evaluation option is used for identifying the severity of arch collapse, bone alignment issues, and the presence of arthritis and other factors. An X-ray may be the first approach for flat foot imaging and may also be used to confirm a diagnosis or to help in surgical planning.

Treatment for Flat Feet

Though flat feet may result from multiple causes and can lead to various symptoms, treatment options are available. Early or late-stage diagnoses may be handled in various ways. Treatment methods include:

Specialized Taping and Shoe Inserts

Diagnosis of flat feet early in its development may include treatments such as specialized taping, over-the-counter shoe inserts, or custom-made shoe inserts.

Both over-the-counter and custom-made shoe inserts are considered orthotics, external devices used to support muscle and skeletal function and mobility.

Taping is recognized as an effective way to provide flat feet treatment and may be used along with other treatment types. Benefits of taping, over-the-counter shoe inserts, and custom-made shoe inserts include arch support, pain relief, injury prevention, and improved foot alignment.

A healthcare provider can help identify when each of these is the best treatment option.

Cast Immobilization and Surgical Intervention

Treatment options for flat feet also include cast immobilization and surgical intervention.

Applying a cast for flat feet conditions is not a common approach, but doing so may be helpful in cases of injury or to support recovery following surgery.

Surgical options for flat feet include tendon transfer surgery, in which a tendon is relocated to support the foot arch through the replacement of a damaged tendon. A lengthening of the Achilles tendon is another operative approach. This procedure is to increase the flexibility of the foot. Osteotomies can also be performed. These involve bone cutting and repositioning to improve foot alignment.

In severe cases caused by arthritis, flat feet can be treated by joint fusions.

Local, Professional Flat Feet Care

Flat feet care is available from professional healthcare providers at our office in Idaho Falls. Contact us to learn more about flat feet and what treatment options are available.