COMPLICATIONS & TREATMENTS OF FLAT FEET
By Bethesda, MD & Springfield, VA Foot Specialist, Dr. Paul Ross of The Podiatry Center
Though many cases of flat feet are generally not painful and don’t need medical attention, some do. When it comes to your health, it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of caution, especially with your feet, which carry the rest of your body around (more often than not a fact that goes unnoticed and taken for granted).
There are some complications that could arise when you have fallen arches:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Posterior tibial tendonitis
- Shin splints
- Bunions
- Stress fractures in the lower legs
- Heel spurs
- Achilles tendonitis
- Calluses
- Corns
- Posture problems
- Arthritis
- Hammertoes
When To See a Bethesda, MD or Springfield, VA Podiatrist
If you experience swelling or significant foot pain, or the pain spreads to your legs, joints, or back, it may be time to see your doctor. If they determine there’s a problem, they will probably refer you to a podiatrist. To skip the runaround and get accurate answers faster, you can always come see us without a referral.
Treatments for Flat Feet
Treatments depend on how severe the condition is and how much pain you’re experiencing. In most cases, there are non-invasive treatments that will effectively manage your flat feet. These include:
- Rest & ice
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Orthotic devices (braces, casts, shoe modifications, inserts)
- Injections
- Medications
There are surgical options if the damage or foot pain is severe. Procedures include:
- Excision – removing bony growths known as spurs.
- Tendon transfer – adding tendon from other parts of your body to form an arch.
- Lateral column lengthening – bone grafting to make the arch rise.
- Synovectomy – cleaning tendons’ protective coverings.
- Arthrodesis – fusing bones in the foot or ankle together.
- Osteotomy – re-shaping the bone.
Usually people don’t like to consider surgery, but this is sometimes a necessary step in extreme cases. The best way to avoid complications is through prevention and maintenance.
Prevent or Manage Foot Pain Yourself
Ill-fitting footwear is the most common culprit for feet problems. This means that you should wear socks and shoes that fit well and support your feet. Other preventative measures include:
- Doing stretches to prepare for activities that strain your feet.
- Limiting or treating conditions that could exacerbate flat feet (diabetes, obesity, etc.).
- Avoiding high-impact sports and running on pavement.
- Knowing when to get help – and actually getting it!
If you experience severe foot pain or swelling that hinders normal activity, see a Bethesda, MD or Springfield, VA Foot Specialist! It could be a serious condition. Early detection is always best.
Flat feet aren’t usually the end of the world… unless they are. If you feel like you’ve done all you can for yourself and want to get professional input, you can give us a call at (301) 656-6055. Here at The Podiatry Center, your feet are important to us and we enjoy the process of alleviating pain and providing long-term solutions for patients who have flat feet or any other foot condition.
Your feet are at the forefront of living a comfortable and active lifestyle, so don’t let foot pain or discomfort hold you back! The solution could be as simple as a custom orthotic.
This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
The Podiatry Centers treat all medical and surgical foot pain and ankle pain conditions. Licensed Bethesda, MD Foot Doctor, Dr. Paul Ross can help bring you foot pain and ankle pain relief.
Our Bethesda, Maryland (MD) and Springfield, Virginia (VA) Podiatry offices offer the most effective and state-of-the-art, quality podiatry care services with a smile to patients in our local community, including: Woodbridge VA, Fairfax VA, Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Alexandria VA, Burke VA, Gaithersburg MD, Potomac MD, Silver Spring MD, Rockville MD and Chevy Chase MD.
Return to a pain-free life and get back to the things you love!
