Flat Feet Treatment in Alexandria, VA
Flat feet can cause arch, heel, ankle, and even knee or back pain when your foot doesn’t have enough support. At Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA , our podiatrists evaluate how your feet function and create personalized treatment plans, from custom orthotics to reconstructive surgery, to restore comfort and stability.
Book OnlineWhat Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches or pes planus, occur when the arch on the inside of the foot is low or collapses so that most or all of the sole touches the ground. Some people are born with flexible flat feet that cause no problems, while others develop flat feet over time from injury, aging, or tendon weakness.
Types of Flat Feet
- Flexible flatfoot: the arch appears when you sit or stand on your toes and flattens when you stand
- Rigid flatfoot: the arch is absent whether you are standing or sitting, often due to bone or joint issues
- Adult-acquired flatfoot: a gradual collapse of the arch, most often caused by posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Symptoms of Flat Feet
- Pain in the arch, heel, or inside of the ankle
- Swelling along the inner ankle
- Feet that tire quickly when walking or standing
- Shoes that wear unevenly
- Knee, hip, or lower back pain from altered alignment
Flat feet can also contribute to other conditions, including plantar fasciitis, heel pain, tendonitis, bunions, and hammertoes.
Diagnosing Flat Feet
Your podiatrist examines your feet while you stand, walk, and rise onto your toes, checks your shoes for wear patterns, and evaluates the strength of your tendons. X-rays or other imaging may be used to assess the bones and joints and determine the best treatment approach.
Flat Feet Treatment Options
Most patients find relief with conservative care, including:
- Custom orthotics made from a digital 3D scan to support the arch and improve alignment
- Supportive footwear and high-quality over-the-counter insoles from our products selection
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and foot
- Bracing or immobilization for painful tendon problems
- Anti-inflammatory medications and activity modification
When flat feet are severe, rigid, or progressive and don’t respond to conservative care, our fellowship-trained surgeons offer reconstructive foot surgery to restore the arch and protect the joints. Learn more about our surgeons on our Our Doctors page.
Flat Feet in Children and Athletes
Many children have flexible flat feet that they outgrow, but pain, fatigue, or difficulty keeping up with friends deserves an evaluation. Athletes with flat feet may be more prone to overuse injuries, and our sports medicine care focuses on support and injury prevention.
Flat Feet FAQs
Do flat feet always need treatment?
No. Flat feet that cause no pain or problems may not need treatment. If you have pain, fatigue, or changes in how you walk, a podiatry evaluation is recommended.
Can custom orthotics fix flat feet?
Orthotics don’t permanently change the shape of the foot, but they support the arch, improve alignment, and relieve pain and strain on the tendons and joints.
What causes adult-acquired flatfoot?
It is most often caused by weakening or injury of the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch. Obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and injury are also risk factors.
Can flat feet cause knee or back pain?
Yes. When the arch collapses, the leg can rotate inward, placing extra stress on the knees, hips, and lower back.
Will my child outgrow flat feet?
Many children with flexible flat feet develop a normal arch as they grow. Children who have pain or trouble with activities should be evaluated.
When is surgery recommended for flat feet?
Surgery may be considered for rigid or progressive flat feet or tendon damage that doesn’t improve with orthotics, bracing, and other conservative treatment.
What shoes are best for flat feet?
Look for shoes with firm heel counters, good arch support, and a stable midsole. Our team can recommend specific brands and provides a recommended shoe list.
Get Support for Your Flat Feet
Find lasting relief from arch and heel pain. Call (703) 370-2313 or request an appointment online with Landmark Foot & Ankle Center in Alexandria, VA .
