If you experience symptoms like leg cramps or muscle pain, and they get worse after exercise or other types of physical activity, flatfoot may be to blame. At MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists, the team of experienced podiatrists provides comprehensive care for flatfoot. To make an appointment for yourself or your child at the practice in Palmdale or Glendale, California, call the nearest office or book online today.
Flatfoot is a structural abnormality that occurs when the bottom of your feet make direct contact with the ground. Everyone is born with flat feet, but most people develop visible arches over time.
If you fail to develop arches or your arches fall due to the natural aging process, you might experience foot pain, heel pain, or difficulty walking.
Many people develop flatfoot due to genetics. For example, if your parents or grandparents had flatfoot, you’re more likely to deal with it as well. At other times, flatfoot occurs due to an underlying medical condition, such as:
You might also experience flatfoot due to pregnancy.
Flatfoot affects everyone differently. Some people don’t experience any symptoms; others experience leg cramps, muscle pain, or pain when walking. As the condition gets worse, you might also experience heel pain, ankle pain, or pain in the arch of your foot.
Make an appointment with the team at MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists if you regularly experience foot or heel pain alongside balance problems, difficulty walking, or stiff, painful feet. These are all indications that you have flatfoot.
To diagnose flatfoot, your MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists provider examines your feet and has you stand up and walk around the exam room. Your provider assesses your arches during these activities to determine the severity of the condition.
If your provider suspects an underlying condition, such as a fracture or a structural issue, is to blame, they might also order X-rays or an MRI.
Treatment of flatfoot depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. If possible, the team at MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists recommends conservative treatments, including:
If your symptoms persist or get worse, you might benefit from leg or foot braces or from wearing more comfortable and supportive shoes.
To receive treatment for flatfoot, request a consultation at MB Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Specialists. Call the nearest office or request one online today.
