Flat Feet
Treatment for Flat Feet in Minneapolis

Arches typically develop over the course of childhood before finally maturing in adolescence.  As such, apparent flat feet in children are not typically a cause for concern. Parents probably should not be alarmed if a child’s foot appears archless if that appearance is not accompanied by knee or leg pain, or unusual clumsiness.  Where childhood flat feet are a concern, walking barefoot frequently and foot exercises can promote muscle strength which helps develop normal arches as the child goes through adolescence.

In adults, flat feet come in two varieties: flexible and rigid.  Flexible flat feet, where an arch is apparent if the foot is not in a weight bearing position, are generally not a cause for concern.  If not accompanied by other symptoms or discomfort, flexible flat feet are probably not an issue and treatment is probably not necessary.

Rigid flat feet, on the other hand, are typically accompanied by serious symptoms and require  attention from a podiatrist or physician.  Rigid flat feet can be caused by a number of ailments, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and typically cause severe secondary ailments, like knee and foot pain.  Foot exercises and orthotic shoe inserts may alleviate rigid flat feet in some situations.  In more severe cases, however, surgery may be required either to correct the ankle’s range of motion or to actually reconstruct the foot to give it a proper arch.