Flat Feet Specialist
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Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center
Podiatrist located in Beltsville, MD
If you have flat feet, you’re also more likely to experience other symptoms, like foot pain and back pain. Fortunately, various treatments can reduce discomfort and help you feel better. At Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center, experienced podiatrist David Deiboldt, DPM, has more than 20 years of experience treating flat feet. To make an appointment in Beltsville, Maryland, call the office or click the online booking feature today.
Flat Feet Q & A
What are flat feet?
If you have flat feet, it means your arches make direct contact with the floor whenever you stand up or take a step.
More than 30% of the population has flat feet, and in most cases, the condition doesn’t cause problems. In some instances, though, flat feet affect the alignment of the legs, increasing the risk of pain and other mobility-related issues.
What are the symptoms of flat feet?
You’re more likely to experience chronic foot pain if you have flat feet, typically near the heels and arches. You might also notice that your pain worsens during physical activity, like working out or playing sports.
If you regularly experience foot pain and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, contact Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center right away.
Who is at risk of flat feet?
Flat feet affect people of all ages and races, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Being overweight
- Experiencing a previous foot or ankle injury
- Having rheumatoid arthritis
- Being middle-aged or older
You’re also more likely to experience flat feet if you have diabetes.
How are flat feet diagnosed?
To diagnose flat feet, your provider at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started, if the pain extends into other parts of your body, and if certain activities make them worse.
Next, your provider has you remove your shoes and socks and walk around the exam room. They assess your gait and posture and look at the bottom of your shoes to see the wear pattern on your soles. Your provider might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to rule out underlying issues invisible to the eye, like fractures, strains, or inflammation.
How are flat feet treated?
Treatment for flat feet depends on various factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. Whenever possible, Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center recommend conservative treatments, including:
- Custom orthotics
- Stretching exercises
- Wearing supportive shoes
- Physical therapy
If you have flat feet because of a torn or ruptured tendon, your provider might recommend orthopedic surgery to repair the soft tissue.
To explore the various treatment options for flat feet, make an appointment at Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.
