Flat feet are a common problem. A decrease in the arch of the foot when standing is the most obvious symptom. The cause of flat feet is largely genetic. Occasionally, however, a traumatic event, injury or other conditions can cause flat feet.

Patients with symptomatic flat feet may have pain in the arch while standing, pain in the heel, pain in the inside of the ankle, or pain in the ball of the foot. Our foot and ankle specialists can diagnose flat feet through biomechanics examination, gait analysis, digital radiography and high-definition musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Conservative treatment may include custom orthotics, bracing, amniotic stem cell injections, physical therapy, oral or topical medications, and Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®).

Custom bracing or orthotics can be of tremendous benefit to patients with flat feet. These work by helping to support the tendons, ligaments and joints of the foot and ankle. For athletes with flat feet, our specialists frequently recommend ultra-lightweight custom bracing to optimize performance and prevent injury. If conservative therapy fails, surgical intervention may be necessary to reconstruct the arch or repair tendons.