Flat Feet Treatment Commerce Township
Are flat feet holding you back from running, hiking, or hitting the gym? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that about 30% of the population has flat feet, a condition in which the arches of your feet collapse inwards. But this shouldn’t sideline you from the activities you love most. At Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates, we help individuals like you overcome flat feet and get back to peak performance.
The pain and instability of this condition can make even the most enjoyable activities a struggle. Our podiatrists take a comprehensive approach to flat feet treatment, considering your unique needs and goals as an active individual. We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan designed to get you back on track, pain-free.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet can develop for a multitude of reasons. Genetics plays a role, with some people simply inheriting flat arches. Ligament laxity, or loose ligaments in the feet, can also contribute to fallen arches. Excess weight puts extra stress on the arches, potentially causing them to flatten over time. Injuries to the foot or ankle can damage the structures that normally support the arch, leading to flat feet. Finally, age-related wear and tear can weaken the tendons and ligaments in the feet, resulting in a loss of arch support and the development of flat feet.
Flat Feet Symptoms
- Pain in the foot, especially the arch, heel, or along the inside of the foot
- Muscle fatigue or aching in the foot and/or ankle
- Leg cramps
- Pain that worsens with activity, like walking or standing for long periods
- Changes in walking gait, such as the toes pointing outward
Flat Feet FAQs
With proper treatment, flat feet shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying your favorite sports. Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates’ podiatrists are sports medicine specialists who understand the demands placed on your feet during athletic activity. We’ll develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific sport and helps you achieve optimal performance. This may include custom orthotics designed for your chosen sport, gait analysis to identify any biomechanical imbalances, as well as recommendations for proper footwear and training techniques.
- Arch-strengthening exercises: These exercises target arch support for flat feet, helping the surrounding muscles become stronger. Examples include toe scrunching with a towel, calf raises, and single-leg balance exercises.
- Flexibility exercises: Tight muscles in your feet and ankles can contribute to flat feet pain. Stretching these muscles can improve flexibility and range of motion.
- Overall foot and ankle strengthening: Exercises that target various foot and ankle muscles can improve overall stability and function, reducing pain.
Look for shoes with good arch support, a firm sole, and proper cushioning. Avoid shoes with flat soles or excessive flexibility, as these can worsen your condition. Our team can provide recommendations on footwear specific to your needs, such as types of running shoes for flat feet, as well as create custom orthotics that fit perfectly within your athletic shoes, providing additional support and improving your comfort level during activity.
Orthotics, supportive shoes, night splints, and ankle braces all offer support and pain relief. Consult with a Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates podiatrist to find the best fit for you, as our team can recommend the most appropriate device based on the severity of your condition.
Flat feet surgery is rarely necessary. Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates’ proven track record demonstrates the success of our conservative treatments. Our podiatrists will exhaust all non-surgical options, such as orthotics, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, before considering surgery. If surgery is deemed absolutely necessary, we’ll discuss the details with you transparently and ensure you understand the benefits and risks involved.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Lakes Foot & Ankle Associates is dedicated to finding you relief and getting back to the activities you love most. Schedule an appointment, at (248) 360-3888 today with one of our podiatrists to discuss your flat feet and develop a personalized treatment plan that gets you back on track, pain-free. We look forward to helping you achieve your optimal foot health and performance!
Download our free guide, written by our own expert Dr. Shanahan, to learn more about the causes of heel pain and the many ways we can treat this condition.