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Flatfoot Pain

"Flat foot" is the term used to describe the occurrence when the arch or the inside of your foot lies flat on the ground. One foot or both feet may be affected. Foot pain generally is not an issue with flat feet unless the ankles are being turned inward. In this instance, pain often will be felt in the feet and ankles.

  1. Causes

    • Flat foot pain may be caused by a variety of reasons that include heredity, an arch that never developed, illnesses such as arthritis or diabetes and fallen arches. Fallen arches occur when the tendon running from the ankle to the arch is damaged and can no longer support the arch.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of flat foot pain include an ache in the arch of your foot, pain and swelling on the inside of your ankle, lower leg pain, feet that are flat against the floor when standing and shoes that tend to collapse to the inside of your affected foot.

    Risk Factors

    • Your risk of developing flat foot pain increase with certain risk factors including obesity, pregnancy, aging, being diabetic, having arthritis or severe injury to the foot.

    Diagnosis

    • Your doctor can normally diagnose flat foot by checking your arch when standing. He may want to run an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to check for injury or tendon damage to the foot.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for flat foot pain includes over the counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil for inflammation and pain. Over the counter foot inserts or arch supports may decrease pain. Lose weight if your are overweight which reduces the load being supported by a flat foot. Limit sports activities until pain has subsided. Orthotics may be recommended if conservative methods fail. Orthotics are custom made foot inserts designed to support your feet. The inserts come in three different types: soft, rigid and semi-rigid. The type chosen for you will depend on the type of support needed. Surgery may be required if the tendon running from the ankle to the foot needs repair.

    Considerations

    • Flat foot may also lead to other painful foot conditions including hammer toes, bunions, Achilles tendon, shin splints and plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the ligaments in your foot. The body's alignment may also be affected because of flat feet, resulting in pain in the ankles, knees and hips.

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