If your soles don’t have subtle curves, arches, and contours, you have flat feet, and you’re not alone. About 5% of American adults have pes planus (flat feet), which occurs when the arches of the feet are partially or completely collapsed.
For some, flat feet cause little or no pain; others deal with issues like swollen feet, limited mobility, or difficulty standing on their toes. That’s no way to live, and you need a solution.
Fortunately, surgery isn’t the only answer. At Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, a part of Utah Musculoskeletal Specialists in Salt Lake City, we offer effective nonsurgical treatment options to help manage your flat feet — here are five of them.
Orthotics might just be the MVP for treating flat feet. We design custom-made orthotic devices to support your foot’s unique shape and mechanics. They stabilize your arches, reduce pain, and improve alignment because we tailor them to the specific dimensions of your feet.
By redistributing pressure and providing better support, orthotics correct your balance, allowing you to walk or stand without discomfort.
Sometimes, your shoes might need extra help. Over-the-counter shoe inserts are a great first step for adding arch support and cushioning to your shoes. However, if you need a more tailored approach, the next step is modifying your shoes.
The right pair of shoes, with a sturdy sole and plenty of arch support combined with modified inserts, prevents overpronation, a common issue with flat feet. You may be surprised at how a simple change of footwear relieves unnecessary strain on muscles and tendons.
If your flat feet cause pain or inflammation, rest and ice provide immediate relief. Staying off your feet allows your tendons and muscles to heal, while ice packs or cold compresses reduce swelling.
It’s a simple but effective treatment, especially if your symptoms are due to an injury or overuse. Pairing rest with other treatments — like orthotics or stretching exercises — gives you an all-around approach that tackles the problem from multiple angles.
Your long-term goal is to resolve the symptoms before they start, and that’s where strengthening and stretching come in. Working the muscles and tendons shores up the support system in your feet and reduces symptoms and flare-ups. Try calf stretches, toe stretches, and foot-rolling exercises to strengthen your flat feet.
For flat feet causing discomfort or swelling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, alleviate pain by reducing inflammation around your tendons and ligaments.
While NSAIDs are a helpful part of symptom management, they work best in conjunction with other treatments that address the root cause of your flat feet.
Whether you need custom orthotics, expert advice, or a comprehensive plan for managing flat feet, call Dan Preece, DPM & Darren Groberg, DPM, to book your consultation.
