Find out if you really need to treat flat feet.
A normal foot will have arches that raise part of the foot off the ground. When standing you may notice that the inner part of the foot curves. However, if you have flat feet (also known as fallen arches), then your entire foot touches the ground, and you may not notice that natural curve in your foot. Is this a problem? Should you turn to our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, if you suspect that you might have flat feet?
Are flat feet a problem?
Not necessarily. In fact, children are born with flat feet and don’t even develop arches until around 6 years old. Some children never develop arches, and sometimes arches can collapse over time. Since flat feet can increase the likelihood of foot, ankle, hip, knee, and back pain it’s important that you consult with our Fort Walton Beach, and Crestview, FL, foot doctors about the right treatment options to ease your symptoms. If you aren’t experiencing symptoms, then treatment usually isn’t needed.
How are flat feet treated?
If foot pain, muscle spasms, or other issues bring you into our office, our team will thoroughly assess your feet and the symptoms you are experiencing. We may even need to take X-rays to look at the overall structure and health of your feet. The standard course of action for treating flat feet is fairly conservative. Common nonsurgical treatment options for flat feet include:
- Wearing supportive and properly fitted footwear that offers your feet, particularly the heels, additional cushioning and stability.
- Wearing prescription orthotics crafted by your podiatrists which can take pressure off the soles of the feet to reduce foot cramping, fatigue, and pain.
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to help ease pain and discomfort. If you’d like to avoid pain relievers, you can also alleviate discomfort by applying ice to your achy feet.
- Losing weight, if obese or overweight, as losing weight will help take pressure off your feet and reduce painful symptoms associated with flat feet.
- Undergoing physical therapy or going through various stretches and exercises prescribed by your podiatrist to strengthen the muscles and tendons of the feet, ankles, and legs.
If you are dealing with foot pain, shin splints, and other complications of flat feet, our Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL, podiatrists Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel of Emerald Coast Podiatry can provide your feet with the care they need. Don’t ignore foot pain. Call us right away at 850-862-4119 or 850-682-6522.