Flatfoot

Flatfoot symptoms can vary significantly between patients. You may experience:

• Foot and ankle pain, especially along the inside of your foot
• Swelling along the inner ankle and arch
• Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing
• Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
• Leg fatigue or cramping after physical activity
• Back, hip, or knee pain due to altered gait
• Stiffness in one or both feet

Some people with flatfoot experience no symptoms at all, while others find that symptoms develop gradually over time or worsen with age.

Congenital flatfoot occurs when the arches don’t develop properly during childhood. Acquired flatfoot can develop due to several factors:

Common causes include: posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (the most common cause in adults), arthritis, injury or trauma to the foot or ankle, diabetes, pregnancy, obesity, and aging. Certain activities that put repeated stress on the feet, such as running or dancing, may also contribute to flatfoot development.

Risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing flatfoot include being over age 40, having diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, previous foot or ankle injuries, and participating in high-impact sports. Women are also more likely to develop posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, a leading cause of adult-acquired flatfoot.

At Synergy Health Partners, our podiatrists use a comprehensive approach to diagnose flatfoot. Your evaluation will typically include a thorough physical examination where we assess your foot structure, flexibility, and areas of pain or tenderness.

We may also observe your footprint pattern and watch how you walk to understand how flatfoot affects your gait. Imaging studies such as X-rays help us evaluate bone structure and alignment, while MRI or ultrasound may be used to assess soft tissue damage, particularly to the posterior tibial tendon.

Our team may also perform specific tests to determine the flexibility of your flatfoot and assess the function of tendons and ligaments supporting your arch. This comprehensive evaluation helps us determine the best treatment approach for your specific condition.

You should schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists if you experience:

• Persistent foot or ankle pain that doesn’t improve with rest
• Swelling that lasts more than a few days
• Difficulty walking or participating in normal activities
• Changes in foot shape or arch height
• Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities

Early treatment is important because some causes of flatfoot, particularly posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, can worsen over time without proper care. Our team can help prevent progression and provide relief from your symptoms.