Are Flat Feet a Health Concern?

When you picture a footprint, you probably imagine a few notable features: the five toes, the rounded heel, and a curve that connects from the inner edge of that heel to the ball of the foot. 

Not everyone has that last characteristic, though. If they have an insufficient arch, the person’s footprint might look like a straight line from the heel to the ball of the foot. 

You can try this for yourself. Wet your foot and step onto some dry concrete. If the inner edge of your foot doesn’t curve inward, you probably have flat feet. 

Don’t worry. For starters, flatfoot often doesn’t cause a problem. Secondly, if it does, William T. DeCarbo, DPM, FACFAS, and our Greater Pittsburgh Foot & Ankle Center team specialize in treating this condition from our office in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Flat feet usually aren’t an issue

Flatfoot comes in a few different forms. Some people never develop their arches — which usually come in at some point during early childhood — while others get adult-acquired flatfoot. The latter usually only affects one foot and develops because of an injury or another problem with the structure of the person’s foot. 

Your flatfoot might also be rigid or flexible. If it’s flexible, your feet look like they have arches until you put weight on them. Rigid flatfoot means your foot always looks flat. 

Whatever type of flatfoot you have, keep an eye on how your feet and ankles feel. In many cases, flat feet don’t cause problems. That said, the lack of an arch — and the shock absorption it provides — can lead to issues. 

When flat feet cause problems

Flat feet are only a health concern when they cause discomfort. Some signs that you should see Dr. DeCarbo about your feet include:

• Toe pain
• Leg cramps
• Leg or foot muscle pain
• Arch pain
• Changes in how you walk
• Pain when you walk
• Toes pointing inward or outward

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s a sign that your archless feet are causing an issue for your body. Fortunately, Dr. DeCarbo has a wide range of treatments he can explore to bring you relief.  

Those include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Custom orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Prescription shoes
• Stretching and strengthening exercises you can do at home

Simply having flat feet isn’t a health concern. But if you notice changes in how you walk or you’re feeling pain in the lower part of your body, don’t hesitate to talk to Dr. DeCarbo. 

For the care your flat feet need, call our office or book your appointment online today.