Whether it’s a sharp ache or an ongoing discomfort, foot pain can significantly impact how you walk, stand, and perform everyday tasks. Some common causes of persistent foot pain are flat feet or fallen arches. For foot conditions, podiatry offers targeted solutions for personalized treatment. Here’s information on how podiatry addresses foot conditions and how podiatrists manage and treat these conditions effectively:
Working With a Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They can handle a range of issues, from minor concerns like ingrown toenails to more complex conditions like fractures or diabetic foot complications. They’re also trained to work with specific foot disorders and conditions, such as flat feet and fallen arches.
Unlike general practitioners, podiatrists specialize in the care and treatment of foot health. They rely on their in-depth knowledge of the lower extremities to recommend tailored treatments. Their expertise encompasses prescribing orthotics, performing surgery, and recommending lifestyle changes to alleviate discomfort.
Podiatry takes a comprehensive approach to foot health, aiming to improve mobility and reduce pain. If you suspect you have flat feet or fallen arches, a podiatrist will assess your symptoms through physical exams, gait analysis, and imaging tests.
Managing Foot Conditions
Diagnosing foot conditions involves a thorough evaluation. Podiatrists begin by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. They will observe how you stand and walk with a gait assessment. This allows them to see how your body weight is distributed across your feet.
To confirm their findings, your provider may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. These tests provide a clearer picture of the bone structure and tissues in your feet, helping podiatrists to make an accurate diagnosis. For treatment, podiatrists often start with non-invasive approaches, such as recommending supportive footwear or orthotics. More advanced cases might require physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the arches or, in rare cases, surgical correction.
Treating Flat Feet and Fallen Arches
After understanding your specific condition, your doctor may recommend interventions, like custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts designed to support your arches better. Other treatments can include stretching exercises, physical therapy, or advice on footwear to prevent further complications. Treatments will depend on the severity of your condition.
How Podiatrists Treat Flat Feet
If your flat feet cause no pain or difficulties, your podiatrist may take a watch-and-wait approach, monitoring for any signs of progression or discomfort. When symptoms like pain or swelling occur, your podiatrist may suggest specific interventions like:
- Custom Orthotics: These inserts provide arch support, helping to distribute your body weight evenly across your feet and reduce strain.
- Stretching Exercises: To improve flexibility and alleviate tension in your tendons.
- Supportive Footwear: Shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can minimize discomfort in everyday activities.
- Physical Therapy: To strengthen the muscles supporting your foot arch, preventing further collapse over time.
How Podiatrists Treat Fallen Arches
For fallen arches, which occur when the arch collapses over time due to injury, aging, or other factors, treatment often focuses on rebuilding lost stability. Some common treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory Medication: To control swelling and relieve pain.
- Bracing or Casting: To immobilize the foot and encourage healing in cases caused by injury or trauma.
- Surgical Solutions: For more severe cases, such as tendon repair or bone realignment, to restore arch functionality.
Podiatrists can also offer advice on lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, which reduces stress on your feet and joints.
Learn More About Podiatry Benefits
Living with flat feet or fallen arches doesn’t have to mean living with pain. Podiatry offers a range of solutions, from simple orthotics to advanced surgical interventions, helping you stay mobile and more comfortable. Contact a licensed specialist today to discover how podiatry can benefit you.
