Carmel Foot Specialists

Podiatrists in
Charlotte, NC (Pineville)

Patient Rating:
(4.8 out of 5 based on 301 Ratings)
10370 Park Rd. #100
Charlotte
, NC 28210
Map Us

Phone: 704-542-8253

Languages

  • English
Hours
Monday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Flat Feet

 

Person with flat feet

Different arch types and their respective foot alignment

Illustration comparing normal and flat foot arches

The arch of your foot is its main supportive structure. If this arch loses strength, the bony framework begins to collapse, causing your foot to flatten.

Like a sagging bridge, the weakness in the middle strains the joints at both ends of your foot.

Causes:

There are many causes of flat feet.

Some people are born with them. Others acquire flat feet as a result of arthritis, trauma, or musculoskeletal disorders. Overuse or repeated pounding on hard surfaces can also weaken the foot’s arch.

Symptoms:

Discomfort from flat feet often doesn’t appear for years. At some point, pain may be felt and walking may become awkward as increasing strain is put on your feet and calves.

Related Problems:

The excess strain from flat feet can cause other foot problems, such as hammertoes, bunions, heel spurs, arch strain, corns, neuromas, and sagging joints.

Flat feet can also affect other parts of the body, causing fatigue, pain, or stiffness in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Physical Exam:

To determine the best treatment for your problem, your doctor will look into your medical history and ask about the length and frequency of your symptoms, the types of activities you’re involved in, and any pain or problems you may have in other parts of your body.

Your doctor will do a complete examination of your foot, including a gait analysis to observe the movement and stability of your legs and feet as you walk.

Very Flat Feet Treatments:

If flat feet are diagnosed at an early age, chances are good that non-surgical treatment, such as strapping, custom shoe inserts (orthotics), or medication can help the problem.

Nonsurgical Care:

  • Strapping
  • Taping your feet may help by temporarily maintaining the proper position of your feet.

Orthotics:

Custom orthotics can readjust the weight-bearing position of your feet. Soft, semi-flexible, or rigid inserts may be used, depending on your weight and physical activity.

Medication:

You may be given anti-inflammatory medication to temporarily relieve pain caused by flat feet.

Surgery:

If your flat feet cause chronic pain, surgery may be needed to correct the alignment of the bones in your feet, or to support or reinforce the tendon structures in your feet.

What Can I Do?

To help ease the pain, try the following as part of your daily routine. If you have continuing problems, be sure to see your doctor.

Stretching:

To stretch your soles and tendons, try this:

  • Lean on something stationary, with one leg in front of the other and both heels flat.
  • Bend the front knee
  • Hold for 10 seconds
  • Bend your back knee, bringing the heel up
  • Hold for 10 seconds
  • Do this 5 times with each leg
  • Soaking & massaging

Warm-water soaks or ice massages can help relieve pain. Patients with diabetes or a circulation problem, talk to your doctor first.

Shoes:

Be sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable, with enough space in the toe box for toes to wiggle. Women should wear low-heeled shoes, not pumps.

Myers Park Location