Flat Foot Treatment in New York, NY

A flat foot is a term used to describe a collapsed arch in the foot, causing the entire foot to touch the floor when standing and walking or just to stay flat entirely. There are two kinds of flat feet. The first, a flexible flat foot, retains motion, and the arch can spring back when the foot has no weight on it. This is typically not painful, though some people may experience pain after playing sports. The second type is known as a rigid flat foot. These feet are ‘stuck’ in the flat position, and the arch is not present, whether bearing weight or not. A rigid flat foot, unlike a flexible flat foot, can cause foot pain during everyday activities. At Millennium Podiatry, we're dedicated to correcting these issues for our patients in New York, NY. Our talented team of doctors is highly experienced in rectifying instances of both flexible and rigid flat feet.

Patients who are suffering from flat feet may complain of pain in their arches and/or heels. Commonly, there is pain on the outside of the foot, where the foot meets the ankle, as the collapsed foot presses against the ankle. Additionally, muscle cramps within the foot and onto the leg may occur. In general, patients usually have pain with physical activities, such as walking or running. In many instances, irritation from shoes can cause redness and swelling for those with flat feet.

There are a variety of causes of flat feet. It can be genetic, acquired, or develop over time. In addition, injury, tendon problems, and arthritis can also lead to flat feet. Rigid flat feet may also occur from a condition called tarsal coalition, where the bones in the back of the foot are genetically fused or locked together.

How do you know if you have flat feet?

Some simple identifiable characteristics of flat feet include a lack of arch or decreasing arch (especially when putting weight on your feet), foot pain and fatigue on the inner side of your feet and arches, foot swelling, and foot and leg fatigue.

Can you improve your foot arch?

Yes, you can. Here are some simple exercises you can do to improve your foot arch:

• Heel stretches
• Rolling your foot on a tennis ball, focusing on the arch
• Arch lifts
• Calf raises
• Stair arch raises
• Towel curls
• Toe raises

How do you prevent flat feet?

While flat feet can be caused by genetics, there are some things you can do to help protect your arches. These include staying healthy to avoid developing diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, avoiding or limiting high-impact activities (running on roads, soccer, tennis, basketball, etc.), wearing supportive shoes or orthotic inserts, doing regular foot exercises like the ones listed above, and having physical therapy.

How long is recovery after flat foot surgery?

Most patients will return home the same day as their surgery with their treated foot in a cast and using crutches to walk. After about six weeks, the cast can be removed. You'll have to avoid putting too much weight on it as it heals. After about three months, most will be able to wear normal shoes with a foot or ankle brace. Typically, many patients will be able to return to sports and exercise regimens within 6 - 12 months after their surgery. Most will need to wear orthotic insoles to support their feet. Some may need physical therapy to help improve the range of motion, strength, and flexibility of their treated foot.

Whether you have flexible flat feet or rigid flat feet, the expert staff at Millennium Podiatry are dedicated to providing the medical care you deserve. Through a number of both surgical and nonsurgical techniques, we can alleviate pain and/or reshape your feet into a more ideal position. Contact our New York, NY office today to schedule your consultation and receive an expert diagnosis from one of our doctors.