Flat feet is when a person's entire sole touches the floor when standing. This can be problematic for many individuals, which is why your
Windham and Scarborough, ME, podiatrist, Dr. Peter Ocampo, is here to help.
What are the symptoms of flat feet?
Flat feet aren't usually painful unless someone is playing sports or doing any sort of walking activity. If shoes wear unevenly, people may experience mild discomfort. Older individuals may develop flat feet; "they had normal or slight-flat feet that suddenly collapse into severe flat feet," according to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society.
Symptoms of flat feet manifest during late childhood. If a toddler or young child experience foot pain, you may need to visit your Windham and Scarborough podiatrist.
What causes flat feet?
Flat feet may be a result of many things:
- Congenital
- Acquired flat feet in adults is usually due to tissue breaking down
- Tendons, ligaments, and worn out joints may contribute to the problem
- Tarsal coalition, which is a separation of the foot bones
How are flat feet diagnosed?
Podiatrists use several tools and tests to assess feet, including:
- A physical examination
- X-Rays
What are treatment options?
There are several treatment options, some invasive and others less invasive.
- In-shoe orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Custom-molded arches in orthotics, usually made to relieve pain and provide support.
- Shoe inserts to walk comfortably.
- Braces, if simple measures fail to provide relief.
- Painful flat feet that don't respond to non-operative measures may require surgery.
Flat feet develop many problems you'll need to tell your doctor about. They can be painful and lead to serious foot problems. If you have any questions or concerns about flat feet, you should contact your Windham and Scarborough, ME, podiatrist, Dr. Ocampo. He has the expertise to help figure out and treat your foot issue.