Flat Feet Management Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ

Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, occur when the arches on the inside of your feet are flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing. In a healthy foot, the arch provides essential support, shock absorption, and balance. However, when the arch is low or absent—as seen in flat feet—it can lead to changes in the way you walk and distribute weight, sometimes resulting in discomfort or pain.
 
Flat feet can be present from childhood if the arches never fully develop, or they may develop in adulthood due to injury, overuse, or medical conditions affecting the tendons and muscles of the foot. While some individuals with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may notice pain in the feet, ankles, knees, or lower back. Overpronation, or excessive inward rolling of the foot, is also common in people with flat feet and can further increase the risk of injury.
 
At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our dedicated team specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions like flat feet. Our goal is to understand your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. If you or your child is experiencing pain, discomfort, or changes in your foot structure, the experts are here to help. We are committed to improving your mobility and quality of life through compassionate, state-of-the-art foot and ankle care.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, diagnosing flat feet (pes planus) is a thorough process designed to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Flat feet are typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examinations and imaging tests. The first step involves a thorough examination of the feet by a healthcare professional, who will assess the arch and the alignment of the foot. The doctor may ask the patient to stand and walk to observe how the feet function under weight-bearing conditions. A common method used is the “wet test,” where the patient steps onto a surface that leaves an imprint, which helps to visually confirm the presence of flat feet by showing the absence of the arch.

By combining a detailed patient history, expert physical examination, and state-of-the-art imaging when necessary, Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians ensures that your flat feet are accurately diagnosed. This comprehensive approach allows us to recommend the most appropriate and effective treatment options, so you can get back to your daily activities with comfort and confidence. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole to come into near-complete or complete contact with the ground. Left unaddressed, this condition can lead to a variety of foot and ankle problems over time. Without the natural arch to absorb shock and distribute weight, the mechanics of walking, standing, and running become altered—putting extra strain on the ligaments, tendons, and bones in your feet.
 
At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we frequently see patients with flat feet who develop related issues such as plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the ligament along the bottom of the foot leading to heel pain), overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), and a higher risk for ankle sprains. These conditions can also contribute to discomfort and pain in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back due to misalignment throughout the lower body.
 
Flat feet can increase the likelihood of developing bunions, hammertoes, and calluses, as abnormal pressure points change the way weight is distributed across the toes and forefoot. Some patients may also experience arch pain or swelling along the inner side of the foot.
 
The good news is that early intervention can make a significant difference. At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, our board-certified podiatrists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans for flat feet. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting foot health and comfort.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches on the inside of the feet are flattened, causing the entire sole to touch the floor while standing. At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we frequently diagnose and treat flat feet in patients of all ages. In many cases, flat feet are inherited or develop during childhood if the arches do not form properly.

Flat feet cannot always be fully prevented, as they can be caused by genetic factors or certain medical conditions that affect foot development. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk or slow the progression of flat feet. Wearing shoes that provide proper arch support and cushioning can help maintain foot health and prevent strain on the arches. It’s also essential to avoid high-impact activities that can stress the feet, especially during the developmental years, and instead engage in low-impact exercises that promote foot strength and flexibility.

Additionally, regular foot exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles that support the arches and improve foot alignment. Maintaining a healthy weight is another preventive measure, as excess weight puts additional pressure on the feet, increasing the risk of flat feet or worsening the condition. While prevention may not be entirely possible for everyone, these proactive steps can help minimize discomfort and reduce the likelihood of flat feet becoming a significant issue.

Despite these preventive measures, it’s important to recognize that not all cases of flat feet can be avoided. If you’re concerned about your foot health or notice changes in your arches, the experienced team at Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians is here to help. We offer comprehensive assessments, personalized treatment plans, and guidance to keep your feet healthy and pain-free.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, we offer comprehensive care for patients with flat feet (pes planus), using both conservative and, when necessary, surgical interventions tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced podiatrists are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal foot health and comfort.

How Flat Feet Are Managed:

1. Foot Exercises: Strengthening exercises to improve the muscles around the feet and ankles, which can help support the arch and prevent discomfort.

2. Proper Footwear: Wearing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning reduces stress on the feet and improves comfort.

3. Physical Therapy: Targeted therapy to improve flexibility, strength, and alignment of the feet and legs, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility.

4. Stretching: Stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which can be tight in individuals with flat feet.

5. Activity Modification: Avoiding high-impact activities that may exacerbate pain, and choosing low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.

6. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort associated with flat feet.

7. Taping or Strapping: Using special tape or straps to support the arch during physical activity or when walking for extended periods.

8. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce excess pressure on the feet, which can alleviate symptoms of flat feet.

At Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians, your care doesn’t stop after the initial visit. Regular follow-ups are important to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome. With our expert guidance, most patients with flat feet can achieve lasting symptom relief and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Board-certified Dr. Nathan Plaskey at Arizona Foot & Ankle Physicians specializes in providing personalized care for managing flat feet in Scottsdale, AZ. With a deep understanding of the condition’s impact on mobility and comfort, Dr. Plaskey offers a range of non-surgical treatments to alleviate pain and improve foot function. He begins with a thorough assessment to evaluate the severity of the flat feet and any related issues, such as misalignment or overpronation. Based on this, he may recommend custom orthotics to provide better arch support, along with specific exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in the feet and lower legs.

In addition to these treatments, Dr. Plaskey emphasizes the importance of lifestyle adjustments, such as proper footwear and activity modifications, to reduce stress on the feet. For patients with more complex cases of flat feet, he may explore other options like physical therapy or, in rare cases, surgical intervention. Dr. Plaskey’s goal is to ensure each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that addresses their unique needs, helping them achieve improved comfort, mobility, and long-term foot health.

For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11390 E. Via Linda, Ste 102, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. We serve patients from Scottsdale AZ, Fountain Hills AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Carefree AZ, Rio Verde AZ, and surrounding areas.