Summertime’s still fresh in the air and when the sun’s out, a walk to the beach is a favorite vacation activity. For some of us, walking for extended periods might be uncomfortable, but for others, it can be painful. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want our patients well-informed about any existing conditions they have, or continuous foot or ankle pain they may be experiencing. Patients suffering from flat feet may not experience any pain at all, but prolonged strain can affect the knees and hips. Flat feet could also alter the alignment of your legs and cause further muscle pain. 

Causes

Flat feet are when the arches under your feet aren’t visible when you stand up. This is normal in infants whose arches develop later in childhood, but some adults retain flat feet. This can also happen due to years of wear and tear, where the tendons supporting the arch and running along the inside of your ankle fall over time, or if you have a family member that passed down the gene. There are several risks that could also contribute to the condition, which include:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Foot Trauma

Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms would be foot pain in the heel or arch where strained muscles and ligaments are affected. Other symptoms include:

• Pain when walking or changes in your stance
• Leg cramps
• Stiffness in the calves, hip, or lower back

Treatment

Treatment isn’t a necessity if the condition isn’t causing significant problems, but there are several ways to ease the discomfort. Surgery is rarely needed to treat flat feet and most people don’t find the need to treat it at all, but for those who seek treatment, here are some options:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
• Supportive devices such as braces or foot orthotics, under the supervision of a podiatrist as improper use may worsen symptoms.
• Physical therapy for gentle stretching to improve mobility.

When to Call a Podiatrist

If you’re having trouble balancing, experiencing pain while walking or feel like your feet are stiff, it’s always best to consult a podiatrist. Our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas is specially trained to diagnose and determine what the next best course of action would be. To schedule an appointment at our Middlesex County office call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website for more information.