At Lower Westchester Foot & Ankle, located in White Plains, New York, board-recognized surgeon and a leading podiatrist Dr. Ari Rubinstein and his team specialize in the treatment of flat feet. The team aims to relieve pain caused by flat fee through non-invasive treatments. For patients whose symptoms don’t respond to conservative treatment, surgical options may be recommended. If you or your child has flat feet, book an assessment with Dr. Rubinstein, either by calling the office or using the online scheduling tool. The practice serves patients from throughout White Plains and its surrounding communities including Scarsdale, Harrison, Eastchester, Ardsley, Hartsdale, and Mamaroneck.
Flat Feet Q & A
Are Flat Feet a Medical Problem?
A person is said to have “flat feet” when the arches on the inside of their feet are flattened, allowing the soles of their feet to touch the surface they are standing on. This is generally a painless condition that occurs due to arches not developing properly during childhood. They can, however, develop from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of aging or after an injury.
While normally painless, flat feet can at times contribute to ankle and knee problems due to the fact they can alter the alignment of a person’s legs. The resulting pain can be reduced by correcting the underlying problem of flat feet.
What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet are normal among infants and toddlers since the arches of their feet are not yet fully developed. Arches develop before throughout childhood but some adults never develop them. People without arches may or may not have problems.
Flexible flat foot is sometimes seen among children, where the arch is visible when they are sitting or standing on tiptoes, but vanishes when they stand normally. Most children outgrow this condition.
A person’s arches can also fall over time due to wear and tear that weakens the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle and supports the arch.
What Can be Done to Correct Flat Feet?
If a patient’s flat feet are painful or causing other problems, a doctor may suggest:
- Arch supports (orthotic devices) – Custom-designed arch supports that are molded to the contours of a patient’s feet. Arch supports do not cure flat feet, but they can often greatly reduce symptoms.
- Stretching exercises – A shortened Achilles tendon may be the cause of flat feet in a patient. Exercises designed to stretch that tendon often help.
- Supportive shoes – A structurally supportive shoe often reduces pain and is more comfortable than shoes or sandals with minimal support.
- Physical therapy – Overuse injuries can contribute to flat feet in some runners.
Want to find out which solution is right for your flat feet? Book a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein today!
