[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/11\/managing-flat-feet\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/11\/managing-flat-feet\/","headline":"Managing Flat Feet: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks","name":"Managing Flat Feet: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks","description":"Flat feet, sometimes referred to as adult flat feet or flatfoot, are progressive deformities affecting the arch of the foot. Find treatment options.","datePublished":"2015-11-01","dateModified":"2021-12-16","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/flat-feet.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/flat-feet.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/11\/managing-flat-feet\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Orthopaedics"],"wordCount":472,"keywords":["congenital flat feet","feet","Flat feet","flatfoot"],"articleBody":"Flat feet, sometimes referred to as\u00a0adult flat feet\u00a0or\u00a0flatfoot, are painful and progressive deformities affecting the arch of the foot.According to William Saar, DO, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle conditions, flat feet result from the tearing and deterioration of the soft tissues in the arch. Repeated wear causes the arch to flatten and the toes to point outward. Learn more about the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.Risk Factors and Causes of Flat FeetFlat feet, or a lack of an arch, are normal among children and toddlers because some arches take longer to develop. In fact, some people never develop an arch and may or may not experience difficulties as a result. These flat feet are known as congenital flat feet, and no treatment is typically needed.In other cases, however, the causes of flat feet range from pre-existing medical conditions. This includes the deterioration of tendons that support the arch, arthritis, diabetic foot disease, injuries, or even the wear and tear of aging.Dr. Saar says any adult over the age of 50 who notices that one foot is getting flatter than the other should seek care from an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist. Earlier treatment can avoid more extensive surgery in the future.Flat Feet SymptomsFlat feet often develop over time and involve symptoms that progress and may contribute to related conditions. Some patients with flat feet report no physical pain or changes. Others may experience a wide variety of symptoms, including:Pain.Swelling.Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the feet.Inability to lift the heels off the ground while attempting to rise onto the toes.Bumps on the side of the feet.Treatment for Flat FeetTreatment options for flat feet include:Rest or avoidance of high-impact, repetitive, weight-bearing activities (i.e. running).Anti-inflammatory pain medications.Orthotics.Braces.Surgery.Nonsurgical treatment options like shoe modifications, rest, and medications can be very effective in managing pain and preserving both function and mobility in your feet.Surgery for Flat FeetIn some cases, when conservative methods are not successful, surgery may be recommended. These surgical options include:Osteotomy.Lateral column lengthening.Tendon reconstruction.Arthrodesis.Following any sort of surgical treatment for flat feet, you will have to eliminate all weight-bearing activities for a period of two to three months. This rest period can prevent further difficulties and potential complications.Whether you have a new injury or symptoms that include chronic foot, ankle, or heel pain, swelling, or limited movement, the foot and ankle experts at UPMC Orthopaedic Care \u00a0can offer comprehensive treatment options to help you find relief. Visit our foot and ankle services page for more information, or call 1-866-987-6784 to schedule an appointment.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 1, 2015, and was last reviewed on August 29, 2018."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Managing Flat Feet: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risks","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/11\/managing-flat-feet\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]