What are Flexible Flat Feet Symptoms?

Does it feel like your feet get tired fast? Do your arches disappear when you stand? Or do your ankles roll in when you walk? They might be flexible flat feet symptoms. It’s a super common foot problem that many people don’t even know they have. Keep reading to learn all about it.

What is a Flexible Flatfoot?

Flexible flatfoot means your foot has an arch when you’re sitting or up on your toes, but that arch flattens out when you stand. So, it looks like you have an arch, but it doesn’t hold up when it counts.

This isn’t rare. In fact, foot and ankle specialists say:

• Flexible flat feet in adults is around 20%.
• Most of them have flexible, flat feet.
• Kids can have it too, especially when they’re growing.

It can run in families or just happen as your body changes. At first, it might not hurt at all. But over time, you may notice flexible flat feet symptoms, like pain or balance issues, creeping in.

Flexible Flat Feet Symptoms

Here are the most common flexible flat feet symptoms people tell us about:

• Arches that vanish when you stand
• Tired, sore feet after walking
• Pain in your heels or the inside of your foot
• Ankles rolling in or turning awkwardly
• Swelling near the ankle
• Feet that feel weak or shaky
• Trouble standing for long
• Shoes wearing out fast, especially on one side
• Pain in your knees, hips, or back from the way you walk
• Hard spots or bumps on your feet

What Causes Flexible Flatfoot?

Here are the main reasons people get flexible flat feet symptoms. Check out the table below to see:

How is Flexible Flatfoot Diagnosed?

When you come in to see a foot doctor Gilbert, they look for signs of flexible flat feet symptoms in a few simple ways.

First, they’ll ask you to stand, walk, and go up on your toes. This tells us if your arch appears or not. If your arch shows up when you’re off your feet, it’s probably flexible.

Then, they may take some pictures of your feet, such as X-rays or sometimes an ultrasound or MRI. This helps them see what’s going on inside, like if any tendons are hurt.

They might also look at how your feet touch the ground using a foot scanner. It shows pressure points and helps them see how your feet carry weight.

Flexible Flat Foot Treatment

The good news? Podiatrists Mesa say that most people don’t need surgery. You need to start with simple things to help take pressure off your feet and get you moving comfortably again. Here’s what helps with flexible flat feet symptoms:

• Shoe inserts (custom or store-bought) to support your arch
• Special shoes with strong arch support
• Stretches for tight muscles
• Exercises to build foot strength
• Physical therapy
• Ice packs if your feet swell
• Anti-pain meds if needed
• Losing weight if your feet carry too much
• Changing how or how long you stand or walk

Sometimes, your foot just needs a break. A boot or brace gives your foot a chance to rest while keeping everything in the right position. It helps take the pressure off and gives sore tendons time to heal. Foot doctors Chandler may also suggest taping your foot, which feels kind of like a hug for your arch. It holds things in place and makes walking feel a lot easier.

Another thing is doing injections, like cortisone shots. These shots go right into the sore spot and help bring down swelling fast. They’re not for everyone, but they can give relief when nothing else seems to do the trick.

Flexible Flat Feet Surgery​, When Is It Necessary?

Most people never need surgery. But sometimes, flexible flat feet symptoms don’t go away with other treatments. Podiatrists Scottsdale say that you may need surgery if:

• You have pain that never goes away
• Your foot keeps rolling inward
• Your bones or tendons are badly damaged
• You can’t walk without hurting
• Nothing else has worked

Surgery often fixes the tendons and changes the shape of your foot, so it works better. After surgery, you’ll rest your foot for a few weeks, then start walking again slowly with help. Over time, most people feel much better and walk without pain.

Treating Flexible Flat Feet in Phoenix, Arizona

At Foot and Ankle Specialty Centers, we treat flexible flat feet symptoms every single day. Our foot specialists Phoenix help you walk stronger and feel better, without rushing into surgery.

We listen, we explain things clearly, and we stay by your side until your feet feel good again.

If you live near Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, or Scottsdale, you’re in luck. Just call us or book an appointment online.

Let’s Recap

Tired feet, pain, or weird walking patterns are clear signs of flexible flat feet symptoms. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with them. The sooner you find out what’s going on, the easier it is to feel better. Taking care of your feet isn’t just about comfort; it’s about living your life without limits.

FAQs about Flexible Flat Feet Symptoms