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Living with flat feet means you don’t have arches, which aid in supporting your body and providing stability. If you’re dealing with symptoms related to flat feet, the Mesilla Valley Footcare team, led by Rolando Cadena, DPM, and Clair Cadena Miranda, DPM, can help with effective treatments. Dr. Cadena and Dr. Miranda evaluate each patient with flat feet to devise a personalized plan to reduce symptoms and return to standard foot function. Call the Las Cruces, New Mexico, office today for a flat foot evaluation or request a consultation on the website.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet are a problem when you don’t have natural arches under your feet when you stand. All babies are born with flat feet, but arches usually develop over time.
Adults can have flat feet from arches that never develop or “fall” later in life. Injuries or illnesses can also lead to flat feet in adults.
Arches are significant because they provide support and stability and act as shock absorbers to the lower body. Although you can live without arches, it can be hard on your legs, hips, and back over time.
Are there different types?
There are multiple forms of flat feet, including flexible and rigid. Arches are visible when sitting or lying down with flexible flat feet but disappear when you stand up. Children and teens develop flexible, flat feet.
You have no visible arches while sitting or standing while living with rigid, flat feet. Teens can develop rigid, flat feet, which often continue to get worse. Moving your feet or standing with rigid, flat feet can be tricky.
Fallen arches are also a type of flat foot that develops in adults when the arches collapse. It’s often painful and makes the foot turn outward.
Are flat feet always a problem?
Flat feet aren’t a problem for most people and don’t cause any symptoms. However, for some, flat feet cause severe pain and leg cramps.
Other symptoms related to flat feet include muscle pain, discomfort in the heel and ankle, and changes in how you walk. Flat feet become a problem when the symptoms are severe enough to affect your life.
What are flat feet treatments?
Most people without symptoms don’t require treatment for flat feet. If you have symptoms, the team at Mesilla Valley Footcare provides expert treatments for long-term relief.
Physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching can help you deal with mild-to-moderate pain related to flat feet. In most cases, these treatments are enough to relieve any symptoms.
Rarely do people need surgery to fix rigid flat feet that have progressed and affect various aspects of their lives.
Call the Mesilla Valley Footcare team today to schedule an appointment for flat feet or request a consultation on the website.