Flatfeet Specialist

Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers

Flatfeet Specialist in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ

Flatfeet, or fallen arches, can cause you pain and lead to more serious health and foot issues if not properly addressed. At Foot & Ankle Specialty Centers, our flatfeet specialists Phoenix understand the challenges of this condition and can help you. So, stop Googling “flat feet specialist near me” and keep reading to learn more about this foot condition.

What are Flat Feet?

In Phoenix, Arizona, the different types of flatfoot deformity (e.g., flexible flat feet) happen when the arches of the feet collapse. I’ll make the entire sole of your foot come into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. Flat feet pain can happen at birth or acquired over time due to factors like aging, injury, or obesity.

Flatfeet Symptoms

  • Pain in the arch, heel, or ankle
  • Swelling along the inside of the ankle
  • Difficulty standing on tiptoes
  • Foot fatigue and tiredness
  • Uneven shoe wear

Flat Feet Causes

  • Often inherited from parents or family
  • Weak or underdeveloped foot muscles
  • Damage to the tendons or ligaments in the foot
  • Aging can weaken arches over time.
  • Extra weight or more stress on the feet
  • Pregnancy and hormonal changes
  • Medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or neurological disorders
  • Structure abnormalities like tibialis posterior dysfunction.
  • Prolonged standing or physical activity
Flat Feet Specialist in Phoenix, AZ

How are Flatfeet Diagnosed?

At Foot & Ankle Specialty Centers, our flatfeet specialists Scottsdale diagnose this condition with these steps:

  1. We see your feet and assess your gait to find the flat foot pain location.
  2. We may use X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
  3. We watch how you walk to understand the impact.
  4. We check the height of your foot arches.
  5. We assess the flexibility of your feet and ankles.

Flatfoot Test at Home

Our flatfeet specialists Chandler recommend performing simple tests at home:

  1. Stand on your toes and see your feet in a mirror.
  2. Check if an arch forms. If not, you may have this condition.
  3. Pay attention to any pain or difficulty in maintaining this position.

Another simple way to test for flatfeet at home is the “wet footprint test.” You need to wet the soles of your feet and stand on a flat surface like a piece of paper. If your footprint shows a complete outline without an arch, you likely have this condition.

How are Flatfeet Treated?

At Foot & Ankle Specialty Centers of Arizona, we offer different treatment plans for flatfeet based on your condition and symptoms:

  1. We provide custom arch supports, like custom-made insoles, to alleviate pain and improve foot function.
  2. Our experts will guide you through exercises, such as calf stretches and heel raises, to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your feet.
  3. We may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain and swelling.
  4. We recommend supportive shoes for flat feet, such as motion control or stability shoes, to provide better arch support and comfort.

Our flatfeet specialists Mesa will create a personalized treatment plan for you to find relief and improve your foot health.

Flatfeet Surgery

In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct your condition. At Foot & Ankle Specialty Centers, our flatfeet specialist Gilbert, will determine the best surgical method based on your specific condition. Here are some of the surgical options we offer:

  • Tendon Transfers: We may transfer a tendon from one part of your foot to another to help support the arch. For example, transferring the posterior tibial tendon to improve arch stability.
  • Osteotomies: Our surgeons may perform bone cuts to realign the foot. This could include cutting and repositioning bones in the foot to make a more normal arch structure.
  • Arthrodesis: In some cases, we may fuse joints in your foot to improve stability and reduce pain. This involves joining bones in the foot permanently to correct severe deformities.

Recovery time of the surgery varies but typically ranges from six weeks to several months. You usually need to wear a cast or boot and undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

Flatfeet Treatment Near Me in Arizona

Flat Feet vs Arched Feet

Flat Feet

  • No arch; the whole foot touches the ground.
  • Can cause pain in your feet, ankles, or knees.
  • May lead to bad posture or joint pain.
  • More likely to roll your foot inward.
  • If you stand or walk for long, you can expect more fatigue.
  • Can enhance the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Arched Feet

  • Arch clearly lifts your foot off the ground.
  • Helps your body absorb shock and distribute weight.
  • Less risk of pain or posture issues.
  • Gives you better balance and stability.
  • Perfect for longer activity without discomfort.

Not sure which one you have? Call us at 480-812-3668 to help you find out and keep your feet happy!

Flatfeet Treatment Near Me in Arizona

If you’re looking for flat feet treatment in Arizona, Foot & Ankle Specialty Centers is here to help. With five convenient locations in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and Phoenix, Arizona, our expert team is ready to provide the care you need. Call us at (480)812-3668 or schedule an appointment online to take advantage of our services.

FAQs

Yes, it can often be corrected or significantly improved with the right treatment, including orthotics, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.

While congenital flatfeet cannot be prevented, acquired ones can sometimes be prevented through proper footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular foot exercises.

It can be permanent, especially if they are congenital. However, treatment can manage signs and improve foot function.

Yes. The lack of an arch affects the alignment of your legs leading to bad positioning of the knees. This misalignment often results in added stress on the knee joints and pain.

Yes. The altered posture and gait resulting from this condition can affect the spine’s alignment.

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