Flat feet can be present from the time you’re born or develop over time. In either case, the condition can be painful and affect your mobility. Jason Cohen, DPM, Sandeep Garcha, DPM, and their team at Cohen & Garcha Podiatry, LLP, help the residents of Nanuet, Jamaica, and Bronx, New York, find relief from flat feet and many other foot conditions. Learn more by scheduling a one-on-one consultation today. Book your appointment online or over the phone in just a few minutes.
Most people have an arch in the middle of their feet, which is easily visible when standing. People with flat feet have no arch. There's little or no space between the bottom of their feet and the floor when they stand.
All babies are born with flat feet. Their arches usually develop when they are around 6 months old. Some babies never develop arches and will have flat feet for the rest of their lives. In other cases, flat feet develop gradually as an adult.
If you can see an arch in your foot when sitting, but the foot flattens when you stand, you have what’s called flexible flat feet, the most common kind. People with rigid flat feet never show an arch, whether they are sitting or standing.
Plantar fasciitis causes intense pain in the bottom of your heel. There might be some swelling and redness too.
The pain tends to get worse after you’ve been off your feet for a while. That’s why many people find that it’s particularly bad when they get out of bed in the morning. Once you start moving around, the pain usually eases off but returns if you continue to walk.
The pain can become so severe that it makes walking difficult. But resting the foot usually relieves your symptoms.
Not everyone with flat feet requires treatment, but it’s essential to know when to seek care. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, a podiatrist can help:
Your podiatrist can take a look at these symptoms and determine if your bone structure is to blame.
Over-the-counter pain medication can relieve mild to moderate foot pain, but finding a long-term solution is essential. Icing and resting your feet can reduce inflammation and discomfort if you only experience occasional symptoms.
Physical therapy can help by increasing the strength and flexibility of your feet. A customized physical therapy plan ensures that your condition improves without placing too much strain on your feet.
Supportive devices like braces or custom orthotics (shoe inserts) can help by changing the distribution of your weight and pressure on your feet. Some people find that custom-made shoes ease discomfort.
If you’re worried about foot pain or other symptoms of flat feet, or you want to have your child’s feet looked at by a professional podiatrist, call the office today to set up a visit. Online booking is also available and is both fast and easy.
Plantar Fasciitis | Ingrown Toenail | Toenail Fungus | Bunion | Heel Pain | Neuroma | Diabetic Foot Care | Flat Feet | Warts| Trauma | Fracture | Achilles Tendonitis | Arthritis | Foot Fungus | Hammer Toe | Tendinitis
