San Juan Regional Health

Flat feet, a condition in which you don’t have a normal foot arch, can cause pain and might trigger other foot problems. Both children and adults can experience the medical condition known as flatfoot. If you believe you have flat feet, it's important to get it checked out regardless of your age so that you can prevent other foot-related issues in the future. The skilled and compassionate podiatrists at San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle are well-versed in treating patients with flat feet. Request an appointment by calling the office in Farmington, New Mexico.

What is flatfoot?

Flatfoot is a condition in which your foot arch collapses, either partially or fully. The two main types of flatfoot are flexible and rigid.

Flexible flatfoot

Flexible flatfoot is common and often does not cause any symptoms other than the obviously fallen arch. If you stand on your toes with flexible flatfoot, an arch temporarily appears.

Rigid flatfoot

Rigid flatfoot is the more serious form of the condition. Usually, it causes lower leg and/or foot pain and requires professional treatment. If you stand on your toes with rigid flatfoot, the arch will not appear.

What causes flatfoot?

Flatfoot might be genetic in many children. If flatfoot develops as an adult, the cause is often related to wear-and-tear. Factors such as obesity, regular high-impact exercise, diabetes, and tendon damage contribute to the progression of flatfoot.

When is flatfoot a problem?

If flatfoot develops suddenly or is causing symptoms, it requires professional evaluation. Flatfoot can cause or contribute to:

• Foot and leg pain
• Difficulty exercising
• Dull foot aches after standing for long periods
• Discomfort when wearing most shoes
• Structural changes over time, such as bunions

Flatfoot in children may not require treatment if they are asymptomatic, as many children develop an arch as they grow. However, adult-onset flatfoot is more likely to require medical intervention to prevent further complications.

How is flatfoot treated?

At San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle, treatment includes a variety of noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches:

• Custom orthotics and prescription footwear
• Braces or assistive devices
• Physical therapy and monitored exercise
• Activity modification
• Surgical options for severe cases (e.g., calcaneal osteotomy or tendon transfers)

Usually, nonsurgical solutions can effectively relieve flatfoot symptoms. If surgery is necessary, our podiatrists use the latest techniques to restore proper foot alignment and function.

For expert flatfoot care, call San Juan Health Partners Foot and Ankle today.