The arches of the feet stabilize, support, and help move the body. Arches that don’t develop properly can lead to flat feet. At Total Foot and Ankle in Enid, Oklahoma, board-certified podiatrist Scott Shields, DPM, understands how flat feet can cause chronic pain and disrupt alignment. He invests in the most advanced technology to treat this common condition and improve quality of life. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.
Flatfoot, or flat feet, is a condition where your entire foot touches the ground when you stand. The arches are your feet’s support system. They help distribute weight evenly across your feet, allowing you to jump and propel forward. With flat feet, you have little to no arch support.
Many people with flat feet experience chronic pain, discomfort, and soreness. Untreated, this condition can lead to instability and misalignment, affecting the knees, hips, and back. Early intervention can help manage uncomfortable symptoms and improve function and comfort.
Standard arches lift off the ground when you stand. If you have flat feet, they don’t. The entire foot is flush with the ground. Other signs of flat feet include:
Only an experienced podiatrist can diagnose flat feet. At Total Foot and Ankle, Dr. Shields provides comprehensive care for flat feet focused on improving comfort, mobility, and overall foot health.
Flatfoot has many causes, including:
Flat feet in children, a common condition known as flexible flat feet, is when the arches don’t develop properly. Talk to Dr. Shields if your child:
Addressing flexible flat feet is essential to prevent pain, injury, and structural imbalances as your child grows.
Flat feet in adulthood can result from arches not developing in childhood or from weakened support structures. Common factors contributing to adult flatfoot include:
A professional evaluation can help address any discomfort or complications associated with adult flat feet.
Conservative treatments can relieve discomfort from flat feet, including wearing proper footwear and custom-made orthotics.
Dr. Shields can also perform a minor surgical procedure called HyProCure®. This minimally invasive treatment involves inserting small stents (thin mesh tubes) into the space between the ankle and heel bone to correct misalignment.
HyProCure only takes 20 minutes and uses no screws or drilling. You can resume your normal activities within a few weeks.
If you or your child has flat feet, call Total Foot and Ankle or schedule an appointment online today.