Flat Feet

Precision Podiatry

Podiatrists located in Round Rock, Cedar Park, & Austin, TX

It’s normal for infants and toddlers to have flat feet, but adult-acquired flatfoot is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition. The foot and ankle specialists at Precision Podiatry diagnose and treat flat feet in adults at their three locations in the Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the River Place neighborhoods of Austin, Texas. If you suffer from pain due to flat feet, don’t hesitate to call the nearest office to book an appointment.

We offer treatment for bunions, such as Lapiplasty. Call us to book your appointment today.

Flat Feet Q & A

What does it mean to have flat feet?

Typically, an arch forms along the inside of your foot when you’re standing. This arch supports your foot and helps to distribute the weight of your body. Having flat feet means that the arch isn’t present when you stand. Instead, the entire sole of your foot touches the floor.

Babies naturally have flat feet. Usually, an arch develops during childhood, but some children have flexible flat feet. This means an arch is visible when the child sits or stands on tip-toes, but it disappears when standing. Flexible flatfoot is usually painless, and children often outgrow it.

What is adult-acquired flatfoot?

Adult-acquired flat feet are different than flexible flat feet in children. This common condition occurs when an arch falls or collapses.

Also called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, adult-acquired flatfoot is a progressive and painful deformity that usually results from a gradual stretching of the tendons and ligaments that support the foot’s arch. Foot injuries can also lead to fallen arches.

Who gets adult-acquired flatfoot?

Any adult can develop this condition. However, women are about four times more likely to get adult-acquired flatfoot than men. Most people who get this type of flatfoot are middle-aged or older. Factors that increase your risk of adult-acquired flatfoot include:

Obesity
Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Family history of flat feet
Foot or ankle injuries

People who had flat feet as children are also at higher risk of developing adult-acquired flatfoot.

How are flat feet diagnosed and treated?

To diagnose flat feet, your Precision Podiatry provider carefully examines your foot and ankle. They observe your feet while walking and test their muscle strength. They may also take tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

Then, they develop an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment for flat feet may include:

Immobilization with a cast or brace
Anti-inflammatory therapy
Custom-molded orthotics
Orthopedic footwear
Ankle foot orthoses

The team at Precision Podiatry explores every available nonsurgical treatment first. If your pain persists despite conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to correct flat feet.

For expert care for flat feet, call Precision Podiatry to book an appointment today.

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