How to Treat Pes Planus

Pes planus is a medical term used to refer to someone with either fallen arches or flat feet. Symptoms include foot or back pain and even immobility, in some cases. Pes planus usually develops in childhood but will, for the most part, go away once a person reaches physical maturity. It may be difficult to treat pes planus because some conditions may be hereditary. Here are some things to keep in mind if no previous family medical history exists.

Instructions

• 1

  Learn about your condition. It is helpful to know if you need to treat it at all. You may not need to treat pes planus if no pain or problems with mobility exist. Talk with your doctor to know what the best course of action for you should be. Ask about “conservative management.”

• 2

  Get evaluated by a doctor or medical specialist. Have your doctor refer you to a podiatrist or orthopedist, if necessary. An orthopedist specializes in treating people with bone or muscle abnormalities. A podiatrist is a foot doctor. Ask about pain management like medication or physical therapy, if applicable. Ask about orthotics.

• 3

  Ask about medication. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed in less severe cases. To treat severe cases of pes planus, combination drug therapy may be necessary. Be sure to ask a specialist or pharmacist about any drug side effects.

• 4

  Discuss surgery. If you have serious pain or problems walking, a specialist may recommend surgery. Know, however, that trouble walking may indicate another problem that is unrelated to pes planus. Coalition is generally a condition that will most assuredly require surgery. It is when portions of the feet actually grow together. A surgeon may also have to place a barrier between a resected area to ensure regrowth does not occur.

• 5

  Resize your shoes. If you have problems walking, even after being treated for pes planus by a medical professional, rethink your shoe size. There are also items, generally found in shoes stores, that may alleviate pain and discomfort.