Flat feet tend to cause another condition called overpronation, which is when the ankles roll inward while you’re walking. This can lead to foot and ankle pain. Because your feet are the basis of support for your entire body, having flat feet and overpronation can cause problems with your spinal alignment.

If your flatfeet cause you minor pain, you might want to try:

1. Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate your condition.
2. Arch supports. Over-the-counter arch supports might increase your comfort.
3. Medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help.
4. Weight loss. Losing weight can reduce stress on your feet.

Most people have no signs or symptoms associated with flatfeet. But some people with flatfeet experience foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area. Pain may worsen with activity. Swelling along the inside of the ankle can also occur.

In adults, flat feet usually remain permanently flat. Treatment usually addresses the symptoms rather than a cure. In adults the condition is called “acquired” flatfoot because it affects feet that at one point in time had a normal longitudinal arch. The deformity may worsen over time as one ages.

Flat feet can affect the alignment of the body when a person is standing, walking, or running. As a result, they can increase the likelihood of pain developing in the hips, knees, and ankles.

Everyone has flat feet at birth. By age 6, arches typically form. Sometimes, flat feet (or fallen arches) appear during the teen or adult years. You may have pain and difficulty walking.

Flat feet with increased exposure to weight-bearing activities can lead to foot deformities and bone stress injuries. Massage therapy can effectively treat this “overpronation” condition, increasing circulation and loosening connective tissue.

Medical Solutions to Fix Flat Feet Physical therapy is usually required 2-3 times per week for 4-8 weeks or as needed to obtain treatment/personal goals. If you have tried everything above and your symptoms are still there, talking to your doctor about surgical options may be the next step.

After that time, the sutures are removed, and patients receive a removable boot. You cannot put any weight on the foot for six to eight weeks, or until cleared by your surgeon. Around 12 weeks after surgery, patients may be able to wear normal shoes using a foot or ankle brace.

Modern surgical approaches typically involve a combination of procedures to realign the bone deformity, lengthen contracted muscles, substitute for the deficient posterior tibial tendon or perform joint fusions. Most modern surgical treatments exceed 85 percent success rate.

Failure of flatfoot reconstruction can occur in many ways. Revision surgery must address the residual deformity if one exists, restore strength and balance to the foot and ankle, and address persistent joint pain.

Why might I need flat foot surgery?

• Experiencing pain when running or walking, particularly on the inner ankle and foot.
• Ankle swelling.
• Damage to the nerves in the foot on the inside of the ankle, causing numbness or a tingling sensation.