Up to 25% of Americans have flat feet — and often, it’s untreated because many assume it’s no big deal. If you’re looking down at your flat arches wondering if you should actually be concerned, we’re glad you found us because this blog holds the answers.
At Michigan Foot & Ankle Institute, our board-certified and fellowship-trained podiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating flat feet with personalized care in our Clinton Township, Michigan, offices.
We take the time to get to know our patients and their unique needs so we can provide individualized, affordable, and convenient treatment plans that fit into their busy lives.
Flat feet are one of the most common problems our team sees, and patients frequently underestimate how serious the problem can be. Here are the flat-out facts on flat feet.
Flat feet occur when the arches of your feet look more like straight lines than curves. This happens for a few reasons: The problem may occur from childhood (congenital flat feet) but acquired flat feet are far more common.
Adults can acquire flat feet at any point in life, but the risk increases over time as the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the arch weaken. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and connective tissue disorders, may contribute to flat feet. Factors like carrying extra weight and having high blood pressure can also contribute.
Some adults develop flat feet following an injury to the posterior tibial tendon, which is crucial for supporting arch structure.
Not everyone with flat feet experiences serious pain — however, many people have related symptoms and don't realize the problem started in their arches. Some signs to look for are:
If these symptoms sound familiar, it's time to take action before flat feet turn into something more serious.
Your feet balance and support your whole body. With flat arches, your weight distribution can significantly shift, triggering unusual stress on the joints and muscles throughout your body.
Over time, this misalignment can contribute to:
Long-term, flat feet could lead to mobility problems and a significantly reduced quality of life if you don't seek treatment.
We offer a range of solutions to manage flat feet, depending on your symptoms and lifestyle. Treatment options may include:
Concerned about flat feet? We're here to support you and your arches! Call our Garfield Road office at 586-999-9953 or our 15 Mile Road office at 586-460-2138 to book your appointment.
