What are flat feet?
Having flat feet — sometimes called fallen arches — means the arch of the foot sits lower than usual or collapses when you stand. Many people with flat feet have no trouble at all. But when flat feet (or very high arches) become painful, they deserve attention.
Because your feet are the foundation for the rest of your body, flat feet can also play a part in ankle, knee or lower back pain. Supporting the arch properly can ease discomfort well beyond the foot itself.
Common causes
Flat feet can come from:
- Family history
- Arthritis
- Injury
- Conditions affecting the muscles, bones or tendons
What you can do at home
The single most helpful thing you can do at home is simple:
- Wear supportive shoes with a firm heel and good arch support, every day.
- Notice whether your pain is worse at the end of the day or after standing — it's useful to tell us.
How a podiatrist helps
We'll look at how your feet work as you stand and walk, then match the support to your needs. Dr. Rosenfeld can:
- Examine your feet and study the way you walk (gait analysis)
- Arrange X-rays or other scans
- Recommend better footwear or a store-bought arch support
- Prescribe custom orthotics made for your feet
- Perform surgery when it's the right choice