The Facts About Flat Feet

Did you know we are all born with flat feet? Yes. That’s right — it’s completely normal. As we continue to grow and develop, we will most likely have arches. By the age of 6, most of us won’t know the experience of having flat feet. However, about 20 percent of children never develop arches. What does that mean for them? We hope you’ll keep reading to find the answer. 

The doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center are here to help you with the facts. What does it mean if you have flat feet? Will the condition cause a major change in your life? As podiatrists, we know that every patient is unique. Each one may have a unique experience with a condition. Well, something similar is true for people who have flat feet. Most people move around with discomfort.

Here are a few facts about flat feet:

There are different types.

Did you know there are several types of the condition? Here are examples:

Flexible: This type is the most common form. When you are standing, you can’t see an arch. When you are sitting, however, an arch is visible.
Rigid: Can you guess by the name? There is no change while sitting or standing. A person with this type of flatfoot does not have arches at any time.
Fallen arch: With this type, the arch suddenly drops. This is also known as adult-acquired flat foot.

Symptoms can vary.

If you think you have flat feet, pay attention to these symptoms:

  • Pain while you walk

  • Recent changes to how you walk

  • Muscle pain in your foot or leg

  • Leg cramps

  • Arch pain, heel pain, ankle pain, and more

You have options.

If your fallen arches have started to cause you pain, you have options. What’s even better? There are many non-surgical solutions. What you need most is support. Your options include wearing custom orthotics, beginning physical therapy exercises, or resting your feet. A podiatrist will take a closer look at how you sit, stand, and even walk. X-rays help to give a better picture of your bone structure, too.

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.

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