If you have flat feet, your arch isn’t strong. This means the bottom of your foot at the arch makes contact with the ground when you stand.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Studies estimate that between 20 and 37% of Americans have some degree of this condition, and typically, it doesn’t cause problems.
However, sometimes flat feet cause pain and other troublesome symptoms that require treatment.
Fortunately, Dr. Biren Shah provides advanced care for symptoms caused by flat feet. He also offers education about steps you can take — pun intended — to lessen the complications associated with flat feet.
Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates, with offices in Rockford and Elgin, Illinois, is dedicated to correctly diagnosing flat feet and devising the best customized treatment plan for you.
Many individuals with flat feet don’t suffer discomfort. However, it can sometimes affect your quality of life by causing:
Flat feet can cause you to walk differently and, when your gait is affected, you’re also at risk for chronic pain even at rest. Additionally, flat feet can often cause or exacerbate foot problems like bunions, hammertoe, or ankle instability.
When it comes to things you can do to lessen your flat-feet-related discomfort, Dr. Shah offers several options:
Being overweight or obese exacerbates flat feet and, in turn, worsens symptoms. By managing your weight, you can minimize pain and support mobility.
Both shoe inserts and custom orthotics can successfully address flat feet symptoms. Dr. Shah can explain just how they work and advise you about which is the better option for you.
Not only do they provide critical arch support, but these devices also help redistribute your weight, relieving stress on your knees, hips, and back.
Dr. Shah can show you specific exercises that soothe symptoms by expanding flexibility and strengthening your feet and arches.
For instance, heel stretches, rolling a golf ball under your feet while sitting, and lifting and lowering your arches as you stand are helpful moves you can make that lessen pain and discomfort.
Dr. Shah can provide specifics about the best shoes for your situation. Generally, he recommends shoes with:
It only makes sense: If you put your feet in well-made and properly designed shoes, you can support your foot health to the fullest.
In certain instances, Dr. Shah may prescribe medications to relieve discomfort and inflammation if your flat feet are causing persistent pain.
By taking care of your flat feet on the front end, you’ll increase your comfort while reducing the likelihood that your flat feet will cause problems down the road, which may even require surgery.
Don’t continue living with pain and other problematic symptoms of flat feet. Seek expert care at Midwest Foot & Ankle Associates. You can call our Rockford or Elgin office to make an appointment, or schedule one using our convenient online booking tool.
