Flat Feet Treatment | Foot Doctor Wayne, NJ 07470, Paramus, NJ 07652, Clifton, NJ 07012, Montclair, NJ 07042 and Edison, NJ 08817

Paramus / Wayne: (201) 989-0388
Clifton / Randolph: (973) 834-8853
Edison: (732) 314-7708
Montclair: (973) 834-8987

The medical term for flat feet is pes planovalgus syndrome. In flat feet, the arch collapses, the heels evert, and there is strain on the posterior tibial tendon. X-rays are necessary to determine the degree of flat feet. MRIs are ordered often to ascertain the damage on the PT tendon. In advanced stages, patients will not only complain of medial ankle pain at the PT tendon, but also lateral ankle pain at the sinus tarsi. Because the foot hyperpronates, the sinus tarsi joint is impinged, causing sinus tarsi pain. Treatments include orthotics, ankle braces, Arizona braces, cortisone injections into the sinus tarsi, stretching.

Surgical treatments include flat foot reconstruction, which Dr. Badri has obtained excellent results with.

Flat Feet (FAQs)

What are flat feet?

Flat feet are feet that do not have a visible arch in the center of the bottom of the foot while bearing weight. There are two main types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. Flexible flat feet have an arch, but it can only be seen when the feet are not bearing weight. Rigid flat feet do not have an arch regardless of whether they are bearing weight or not. Most children are born with flat feet and develop an arch over time. Others are born with flat feet and never develop an arch. It is also possible to have a fully developed arch that collapses over time due to wear and tear, injuries, or pregnancy.

What problems can flat feet cause?

In people who are born with flat feet and just never develop an arch, there are usually no significant problems caused by the flat feet. Sometimes the gait, or walking pattern, can be affected, with the feet rolling too far inwards while walking. Those who develop flat feet later in life are more likely to have symptoms, including foot pain in the heel or arch area and ankle pain. Flat feet can also make other foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis more likely.

How can I tell if I have flat feet?

Flat feet are diagnosed visually. If your foot is laying flat on the floor, bearing weight, and there is no visible arch, then you likely have flat feet. You can also do the wet paper test. Wet your feet and stand on a piece of paper, then remove your foot and look at the resulting footprints. If your footprint looks like a complete foot, this indicates that you most likely have flat feet.

Can flat feet be fixed?

If your flat feet are causing you pain or discomfort, your doctor can prescribe a variety of treatments. These may include wearing custom-made or over the counter orthotics, choosing more supportive shoes, doing foot stretches, or taking pain medications.