Fallen arches, also called “flat feet,” are more common than you might think, with one in four people experiencing this problem at some point in their lives. In mild cases, no intervention may be needed to correct flat feet. However, if discomfort or other complications are present, fallen arch surgery or other non-surgical treatments may be necessary.
What Are Fallen Arches?
When viewed from the side, a typical foot has an upward arch that is clearly visible and keeps the inner sole of the foot from touching the ground. This arch provides important shock absorption when you walk, run or jump and helps to evenly distribute your weight.
Fallen arches, or flat feet, have less of an arch or no arch at all, depending on their severity. In moderate to severe cases, fallen arches might cause problems such as:
- Gait issues like overpronation
- Achilles tendonitis
- Arthritis in the feet or ankles
- Bunions
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
When Might Surgery for Flat Feet Be Necessary?
If any of the above-listed foot or ankle issues are interfering with your daily life or your ability to comfortably walk or exercise, your podiatrist will likely recommend starting with non-surgical treatment options before considering surgery. These treatments might include arch supports, special footwear recommendations, or physical therapy.
If these options still don’t offer relief from flat foot symptoms, foot surgery for fallen arches may be the most appropriate solution.
The best way to know if you could be a candidate for flat foot surgery is to talk with an experienced foot and ankle specialist. Give our Gaithersburg office a call at 301-948-2995 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
