Flat Feet and Foot Pain: How to Relieve Discomfort

One of the most common causes of foot pain is fallen arches, also known as flat feet. Your podiatrist can help you get relief from foot and arch pain caused by flat feet. The Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates podiatrists, Dr. Ryan Kemp, Dr. Kerry Anderson, Dr. Boyd Andrews, and Dr. Adam Gerber offer a full range of foot and ankle services, including treatment for flat feet and foot pain. They have three convenient office locations in Boise, Nampa, and Meridian, ID.

What You Need To Know About Flat Feet

When you have flat feet, your entire foot, including your arch, contacts the surface you are walking on. This also means that your foot doesn’t absorb the shock of contact as well. You are at increased risk of developing flat feet if you:

• Are older
• Have diabetes
• Carry excess weight
• Have rheumatoid arthritis
• Experience a foot or ankle injury

You may have flat feet if you are experiencing:

• Foot and leg fatigue
• Pain in your arches or your heels
• Increasing foot pain with activity
• Swelling and pain on the inside of your ankle
• Increased lower back and leg pain

For mild pain associated with flat feet, you may be able to get relief if you:

• Switch from high-impact sports like running to low-impact sports like swimming
• Lose excess weight to limit foot stress and pressure
• Rest and elevate your feet whenever possible
• Apply ice to your arches and feet several times each day
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication

For moderate to severe, chronic foot pain associated with flat feet, you need to seek out the expertise of your podiatrist, who may recommend:

• Custom-fit orthotics and other supportive devices to cushion your feet
• Stretching and physical therapy to decrease tension and increase flexibility
• Thermal therapy to reduce swelling and boost circulation
• Prescription strength anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling

In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. Foot surgery for flat feet involves repairing damaged tendons and ligaments to restore normal foot function and enhance mobility.

Want To Know More About Flat Feet?

To learn more about finding relief from foot pain associated with flat feet, call the podiatrists at Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates Dr. Kemp, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Andrews, and Dr. Gerber. You can reach them at:

• Boise, ID, by calling (208) 327-0627
• Nampa, ID, by calling (208) 463-1660
• Meridian, ID, by calling (208) 888-9876

Call today.