If you have flat feet or fallen arches, you may be experiencing discomfort. This condition has varying degrees of physical impact, from mild irritation to severely limiting your ability to walk. Normal feet have an arch when they are supporting the weight of the body. The soles of the feet are completely on the ground when supporting the body if you have flat feet.

Nonsurgical treatment is attempted in most cases before surgery unless the condition warrants otherwise. When nonsurgical treatment is not effective, surgical procedures are used. Surgical procedures to correct the condition can include:

• Repair of a stretched or torn tendon.
• Fusing one or more bones in the foot or ankle together.
• Correcting alignment by reshaping bone.
• Lengthening or replacing a tendon.

Surgery does have risks associated with it. Injury to nerves in the affected area, infection, stiffness of the joint and the possibility of a new callus forming in a different area of the foot are possible.

Dr. Mogul will examine your foot thoroughly to determine the best course of treatment and in the event that surgery is necessary, he will do all he can to minimize the risks involved. Minimally invasive surgery lowers your risk of complications and provides a faster healing time and decreased pain during recovery.

Causes

Most children may have flat feet to begin with, but as they grow older, the ligaments in tissues in the feet tighten, forming the arch that supports the bones in the feet. Genetics, ill-fitting footwear and certain physical activities can prevent the tightening process. This can result in flat feet. Aging also causes the ligaments to become loose and the feet may flatten as you grow older.

Other circumstances can lead to this condition as well. Flat feet can develop as a result of injury or medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can contribute to flat feet.

If flat feet are causing your pain and discomfort, contact the office of Dr. Stuart Mogul, board certified foot and ankle surgeon. Get advice from an expert on the best treatment for your flat feet.