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Flat feet is a condition that occurs when the inner edges of the feet are flat, rather than arched, causing them to touch the floor when you stand. This issue can occur during childhood or adulthood, and in many people, it doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.
However, sometimes flat feet can become painful or lead to further problems down the road like arthritis. If you’re experiencing problems with your flat feet, custom orthotics are a great way to manage the issue.
At Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we want you to experience as much ease and comfort as possible when it comes to any activity that deals with your feet. Our providers Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, want you to know flat feet shouldn’t hold you back from what you want to do in life.
Flat feet can have many causes. For some, as children, their feet never develop properly. For others, an injury that never healed correctly or years of wearing the wrong footwear led to flatness. Diabetes and aging can also be contributing factors.
As your feet continue to flatten, the tendons in your ankles can also become stretched, putting additional stress on your hamstrings. Flat feet might start to become painful with time, leading to swelling in your ankle, tightness in your tendons, and a decreased ability for movement.
Dealing with flat feet can feel like a losing battle, but fortunately, there are treatments that can lessen your pain and increase your mobility. One of the best is custom orthotics: inserts that can be placed inside your shoe. In truth, however, custom orthotics are so much more than this.
Custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet, rather than bought at the store. At Southwest Foot & Ankle, we create 3D-printed orthotics made for the shape of your foot. Of the two types, rigid orthotics are best for flat feet, as they are inflexible, which helps to relieve pain.
These inserts are made for the contours of your foot, so you know you’re getting exactly what you need. They can last anywhere from one to five years, depending on the way you walk, which is much longer than the average shoe insert from a store.
Custom orthotics can also treat multiple issues at once, dealing with problems such as arthritis, hammertoes, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis, in addition to flat feet. And, unlike many treatments that simply relieve your pain, custom orthotics have been found to correct gait and alignment issues as well.
There’s no reason to suffer in silence with flat feet and their side effects when you can get customized, long-term relief. Let us build inserts specifically for you and the needs of your feet. You’ll be glad you did!
To make an appointment, call our office at 480-900-7399 or book an appointment online today.