What Are the Treatments for Pes Planus?

Pes planus is a condition in which the arch of the foot is not intact and touches the ground. The more common name for the condition is flat feet or fallen arches. In some people, the arches never properly develop during childhood, while others develop the condition as the result of an injury or as they age. Many people who are flat-footed do not experience any pain or other problems as a result of the condition, but some may develop foot, ankle, or leg pain. When a doctor is deciding whether to treat pes planus, the cause of the condition is usually taken into account.

Surgery

• Most people with flat feet have flexible feet that can move to accommodate the arch in a shoe, for example. However, some people have rigid feet that can make the condition more bothersome and painful. In these cases, a doctor can perform a surgical procedure to reconstruct an arch in the foot. Several types of procedures are available, including surgery to repair tendons in the area of the arch, but these treatments are usually reserved for patients who do not respond to other, less invasive therapies.

Braces and Inserts

• Some people with pes planus can use a brace or shoe insert to correct the condition or make it more comfortable. In fact, a pair of shoes that fits well and has good arch support is enough to ease symptoms in some people. When the condition develops because of nerve damage or problems with the muscles in the feet, a brace or shoe insert can often help with the pain.

Pain Relief

• Because foot and ankle pain are the primary complaints in people with flat feet, common, over-the-counter pain relievers are often all that is needed to help ease the discomfort. In patients whose condition is the result of problems with the tendons in the foot, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever is the best choice.

Physical Therapy

• Another treatment option for pes planus is physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist can help improve the strength in the arch of the foot, which can help relieve symptoms. Therapists can also recommend exercises you can do on your own to help improve the condition.