Are My Flatfeet a Danger to My Health?

Flatfeet — also called fallen arches — is a common condition. Instead of having an arch on the inside part of the foot, the foot sits flat against the ground.

Most people know if they have flatfeet. But the important question is: does this condition cause a danger to your health and wellness?

Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers offers several treatments for flatfeet. Our providers — Payam Sarraf, DPM, Kate Kennedy, DPM, Katy Statler, DPM, Andrew Goodeill, DPM, Christopher Van Damme, DPM, Amelia Harris, DPM, and Sina Safar, DPM — want to help you feel your healthiest from the soles of your feet and up!

Flatfoot 101

Flatfeet occur for many reasons. In some people, they start very young. That is because the tendons holding the joints in their feet don’t tighten as they grow, causing them not to form normal arches. This condition can be hereditary or associated with other issues, such as Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan Syndromes.

In others, flatfeet occur because the person has experienced an injury. Sometimes, flatfeet simply happen as you age.

The symptoms of this condition are easy to spot. You won’t have a high arch — or an arch at all — in your foot. You might experience pain, especially in the ankles because they’re overcompensating for the lack of arches. Sometimes, flatfeet don’t cause any pain or discomfort. But as you age, the situation is likely to worsen.

The dangers of flatfeet for your health and wellness

You may be asking, “If flatfeet don’t cause any pain, are they a problem?”

For some, the pain caused by flatfeet can severely impact their quality of life. Their ankles swell and hurt, and walking for short periods can be painful. That kind of constant pain can affect your health.

In addition, flatfeet can cause or worsen other issues, many of which are painful. These can include arthritis in the feet and ankles, bunions, hammertoe, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and shin splints.

Flatfeet can also affect your balance, which may make it more challenging to do specific exercises. Keeping your balance is essential as you age because a fall could impact your life in many ways. So, the older you get, the more flatfeet affect your health.

What to do about flatfeet

If you think — or know — you have flatfeet, it’s best to consult with our team. Even if it doesn’t require treatment, we can track any changes in your arch.

For some people, custom orthotics provide relief. These custom inserts slip inside your shoes and are better than what you can buy at a drugstore.

In rare cases, surgery might be necessary if the situation is severe or causing significant pain. For most people, quality shoes and orthotics manage the challenges caused by flatfeet.

Get your feet checked today

If you are unsure if your flatfeet are a potential danger to your health and well-being, let us help. We’d be happy to look at your feet and provide you with options.

To make an appointment at one of our clinics in Arizona, call today or visit us online to book a time at your convenience.