Feet Flattening?????

Treatment and prevention of adult flatfoot can reduce the incidence of additional foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis and calluses, and improve a person’s overall health, according to research published in the recent Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery publication.

Overweight males in white-collar jobs are most apt to suffer from adult flatfoot disorder, a progressive condition characterized by partial or total collapse of the arch, according to the research. Symptoms of adult flatfoot may include pain, swelling, flattening of the arch and an inward rolling of the ankle. Flatfoot is a progressive disorder by nature and this most recent study suggests that neglecting treatment or preventive care can lead to arthritis, loss of function of the foot and many other painful foot disorders.

Flatfoot disorder may gradually worsen to the point that many of the tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle are simply overworking, often to the point where they tear and/or rupture. If this occurs, even simple walking and standing become increasingly painful, requiring much more energy.

In many cases, flatfoot can be treated with non-surgical approaches including orthotic devices or bracing, immobilization, physical therapy, medication and shoe modifications. In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by conservative treatments, there are a variety of surgical techniques available to correct flatfoot and improve foot function.

As in most progressive foot disorders, early treatment for flatfoot disorder is also the patient’s best route for optimal success in controlling symptoms and additional damage to the feet. The goal is to keep patients active, healthy and as pain free as possible and we are here to help with this goal. Please call our office at 440-946-5858 to schedule a consultation.