Texas Foot and Ankle Consultants(Dr. Delpak & Dr. Errico)

COMMON CONDITIONS

Podiatrist Flat Feet | Flat Feet Correction | Treating Flat Feet IN RICHARDSON, DALLAS, GARLAND, WYLIE, MURPHY.

WHAT IS A FLAT FOOT?

Flatfoot is often a complex disorder, with diverse symptoms and varying degrees of deformity and disability. There are several types of flatfoot, all of which have one characteristic in common: partial or total collapse (loss) of the arch. Other characteristics shared by most types of flatfoot include toe drift, in which the toes and front part of the foot point outward. The heel tilts toward the outside and the ankle appears to turn in. Flat feet can broadly be divided into pediatric flat feet, flexible flat feet, adult acquired flat feet(fallen arches).

podiatrist flat feet

TYPES OF PES PLANUS:

Flexible flat foot:

Flexible flat foot is the most common type. The curves in your feet show up just when you lift them off the ground, and your bottoms contact the ground completely when you place your feet on the ground.

This type begins in childhood and does not cause any pain.

Tight Achilles tendon:

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to heel bone. When it becomes tightened, you can feel pain in walking and running.  Also, it becomes difficult to place heel down on the floor properly.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction:

This kind of flat foot is acquired in adulthood when the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your ankle is damaged, swollen, or torn.

If your arch doesn’t get the support it needs, you’ll have pain within your foot and ankle, as well as on the outside of the ankle.

Depending upon the condition, you may have the condition in one or in both feet.

SYMPTOMS FLAT FEET:

Symptoms that may occur in some persons with flexible flatfoot include:

  1. Pain in the heel, arch, ankle or along the outside of the foot
  2. Rolled-in ankle (overpronation)
  3. Pain along the shin bone (shin splint)
  4. General aching or fatigue in the foot or leg
  5. Low back, hip or knee pain

WHEN TO SEE A PODIATRIST FOR FLAT FEET:

If you have foot pain or your feet are causing issues with walking and running, see a specialist.

Diagnosing the underlying cause requires an expert eye. Your podiatrist will look for an arch in your feet as you stand on your toes.

In case you’re experiencing issues flexing your foot or a curve does not show up, your health care provider will order more tests, for example, a foot X-ray or a scan to examine the bones, tendons and ligaments in your feet.

TREATMENT FLAT FEET:

If you experience symptoms with a flatfoot, we may recommend nonsurgical treatment options. Treating flat feet includes:

  • Activity modifications: Cut down on activities that bring you pain and avoid prolonged walking and standing to give your arches a rest.
  • Weight loss: If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Putting too much weight on your arches may aggravate your symptoms.
  • Orthotic devices: Your foot and ankle surgeon can provide you with custom orthotic devices for your shoes to give more support to the arches.
  • Immobilization: In some cases, it may be necessary to use a walking cast or to completely avoid weightbearing.
  • Shoe modifications: Wearing shoes that support the arches is important for anyone who has flatfoot.
  • Foot support: Supporting your feet is normally an initial phase in treating the condition. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you wear orthotics, which are embeds that go inside your shoes to help your feet.
  • Lifestyle changes: Reducing pain from flat feet may include a few changes in your day by day schedule. For instance, your flat feet doctor may prescribe an eating routine and exercise program to deal with your weight to lessen the tension on your feet. They may likewise suggest not standing or walking for prolonged periods.

WHEN IS SURGERY NEEDED?

In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by other treatments, surgery may be considered. Many surgical techniques are available to correct flexible flatfoot, and one or a combination of procedures may be required to relieve the symptoms and improve foot function. In selecting the procedure or combination of procedures for your particular case, we will take into consideration the extent of your deformity based on the x-ray findings, your age, your activity level and other factors. The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure or procedures performed. Dr. Raymond Delpak specializes in the treatment of all forms of flat feet.

PODIATRIST FLAT FEET | FLAT FEET CORRECTION | TREATING FLAT FEET IN RICHARDSON, DALLAS, GARLAND, WYLIE, MURPHY.

Dr. Raymond Delpak works with patients to determine the best course of action for treating foot and ankle problems. We use the most advanced techniques possible. If you would like to learn more, please visit us TX Foot and Ankle Consultants or schedule an appointment.

Your Foot & Ankle Experts

GET IN TOUCH

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

*for updates on our medical equipment only