Are Flat Feet a Problem? That Depends…

You may have heard the term “flat feet” or “fallen arches,” or perhaps you’ve noticed that the entire sole of your child’s foot touches the ground when they stand.

This common condition is a source of many questions and concerns for parents and adults alike. Are flat feet always a problem? Do they need to be treated? In this blog, Step by Step Family Foot Care will answer those questions, helping you understand what flat feet are, when they are a concern, and what can be done about them, too.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot, which typically creates a gentle upward curve in the middle of the foot, is not present or has collapsed.

• In young children, this is very common and often a normal part of development, as their arches typically form by age 6 or 7.
• For some, though, the condition persists in adulthood or develops later in life!

How Do I Know if I Have Flat Feet?

The most obvious sign is the absence of a visible arch when you stand. But other symptoms can indicate that your flat feet might be causing a problem.

A Quick Symptom Checklist:

• [✔] Pain or Discomfort: Do you have aching pain in your heel, arch, or along the inside of your ankle?
• [✔] Easy Fatigue: Do your feet tire out quickly during normal walking or standing?
• [✔] Overpronation: When you walk, do your ankles seem to roll inward excessively?
• [✔] Uneven Shoe Wear: Do the soles of your shoes wear out unevenly, especially on the inner side?
• [✔] Associated Pain: Do you experience unexplained pain in your knees, hips, or lower back?

So, Are My Flat Feet a Problem?

For many people, having flat feet causes no pain or problems at all. If you are asymptomatic, no treatment is usually necessary.

• However, flat feet become a problem when they start to cause pain or lead to other issues.
• The lack of an arch can cause your foot to roll inward (overpronation), which disrupts the body’s natural alignment.
• This can set off a chain reaction, leading to strain on your ankles, knees, and hips over time.

What Can Be Done About Painful Flat Feet?

If your flat feet are causing discomfort, the good news is that there are many effective, non-surgical treatment options.

• Supportive Footwear: The first step is often to switch to shoes that provide good, structured arch support.
• Stretching & Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can help stretch and strengthen the tendons and muscles that support your arch.
• Custom Orthotics: This is one of the most effective treatments.
  • Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are prescription medical devices made from a mold of your feet.
  •  They are designed to correct your specific alignment issues, provide support to your arch, and relieve the stress on your joints.

When Should I See a Podiatrist?

You should schedule an evaluation with a podiatrist if your flat feet are causing persistent pain, affecting your daily activities, or if you notice significant overpronation! This is particularly true in the case of developing children.

Step By Step Family Foot Care is here to assist you with your podiatry needs! To make an appointment with Dr. Debra Manheim, call us at (973) 917-3785 or visit our site to schedule an appointment. The staff at our Parsippany office is ready to help.