Flat Feet

Up to 30% of Americans have flat feet or fallen arches. The condition isn’t always serious, but it can affect your mobility and quality of life. At Mastracco Foot & Ankle in North Canton, Ohio, Dominick Mastracco, DPM, AACFAS, offers conservative and surgical treatments for flat feet. No matter the underlying cause, Dr. Mastracco can help you recover properly and improve your ability to move comfortably. To learn more about the treatment options for flat feet, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What are flat feet?

Flat feet are a common structural abnormality that causes the soles of your feet to make direct contact with the ground.

Everyone is born with flat feet, but most people develop arches by age 6. Sometimes, foot arches never develop. If that’s the case, daily activities like walking and standing may cause wear-and-tear damage, negatively affecting your mobility.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Symptoms of flat feet include:

• Heel pain
• Pain in the arch of the foot
• Foot pain that’s worse during exercise
• Swelling along the inside of the ankle

If you have flat feet, you might also notice that your feet tire easily after standing for extended periods.

Who is at risk of having flat feet?

Anyone can have flat feet, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight or obese
• A history of foot or ankle injuries
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Being middle-aged or older

You’re also more likely to have flat feet if you have diabetes –– a chronic disease that affects your ability to regulate blood glucose (sugar).

How are flat feet diagnosed?

Dr. Mastracco reviews your health charts and discusses your symptoms. Then, he has you stand up and walk around the exam room.

He looks at your feet from the front and back and asks you to stand on your toes. He also checks your ankle strength and presses on your soles and heels to identify sensitive areas. 

Next, Dr. Mastracco orders diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These procedures can identify problems invisible to the eye, like fractures, dislocated joints, or swollen muscles.

How are flat feet treated?

Treatment of flat feet depends on your age and the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Mastracco offers both conservative and surgical options. He might recommend:

• Custom or over-the-counter orthotics 
• Stretching exercises to strengthen your Achilles tendon
• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Losing weight
• Wearing arch supports

If your symptoms worsen even after conservative treatments, Dr. Mastracco might recommend surgery. During surgery, Dr. Mastracco uses special tools to repair bone or tendon problems causing the pain.

To receive expert treatment for flat feet, call Mastracco Foot & Ankle or book an appointment online today.