What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire sole of the foot to make contact with the ground. This condition can affect one or both feet and may develop gradually over time or occur due to injury, tendon dysfunction, arthritis, or genetic factors.

Flat feet can alter the alignment of the feet and lower body, placing additional stress on the ankles, knees, hips, and back. While some individuals experience no symptoms, others may develop pain, fatigue, instability, difficulty walking, or trouble finding comfortable shoes. If left untreated, flat feet can progressively worsen and lead to chronic discomfort and mobility problems.

Flat Foot Treatment Options

Treatment for flat feet focuses on reducing pain, supporting the arch, improving foot alignment, and preventing progression of the deformity. During your consultation, our foot doctors will evaluate the severity of the condition and recommend a customized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.

Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include supportive footwear, activity modification, orthotics, taping, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, icing, and temporary immobilization. Conservative care is often highly effective when treatment begins early.

Proper diagnosis is important to determine whether tendon damage, joint instability, or progressive deformity is contributing to the condition. Early intervention can help prevent worsening arch collapse and long-term joint stress.

In severe or progressive cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended to repair damaged tendons, restore foot alignment, and improve stability and function.

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the tendons and muscles responsible for supporting the arch while improving balance, flexibility, and overall foot function.

For severe deformities or tendon injuries, surgery may be necessary to restore foot alignment, repair damaged structures, and improve long-term stability and mobility.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Supportive Footwear & Shoe Modification

Wearing properly fitted supportive shoes can help reduce strain on the feet and improve walking comfort. Our podiatrists can recommend footwear specifically suited to your foot structure and activity level.

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics provide long-term support for the arch and help improve foot alignment, redistribute pressure, and reduce stress on the ankles, knees, and lower back.

Taping & Temporary Support

Daily taping techniques may be recommended to help support the arch and reduce strain on weakened tendons and ligaments.

NSAIDs, Ice & Pain Relief

Icing the affected area and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with flat feet.

Treatment Duration & Recovery

The recovery process for flat feet depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required. Many patients experience improvement with supportive care and custom orthotics over time, while more advanced cases may require longer rehabilitation or surgical recovery. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent progressive arch collapse and chronic pain.
With proper treatment, patients can often achieve long-term pain relief, improved walking ability, and better overall foot health.

Start Your Journey to Happy and Healthy Feet

If you are suffering from pain, or have difficulty walking due to low/flat arches, our team of specialized NYC foot doctors can help!

Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we help you get back to healthy and happy living.Β Call us atΒ 917-398-3668Β orΒ book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes scar tissue builds up in a tendon and causes the tendon to lose its elasticity. At that point, chronic Achilles tendinitis can be treated by removing the scar tissue using a minimally invasive procedure like Tenex. This uses a wand that transmits ultrasonic energy to break through the scar tissue leaving healthy tissue behind. Downtime is minimal and return to normal activity is about a week.

Warm-up before and cool down after your workout routine. Slowly increase the intensity of your exercise over a period of time. If you’re using equipment at the gym, make sure you know how to use it safely and also with the form and posture. If unsure, always ask!
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Grab a resistance band (or even a stretchy t-shirt)! Place the band or shirt around the ball of your foot. Pull the two ends of the band or shirt towards you until you feel a nice stretch in the back of your leg. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this 5-10 times for both legs!

Achilles tendonitis rarely requires surgery. However, if treatment is delayed or neglected, there could be further damage such as a tendon tear. This would require surgical repair, and although we can do this with minimally invasive techniques, it is better to prevent damage when possible. Don’t ignore your pain. See your podiatrist as soon as possible.

RELATED SERVICES

By accurately diagnosing, treating, and preventing lower leg, foot, and ankle conditions and ailments, we get you on your way back to healthy feet!Β  We use conservative care and only activate surgeries when absolutely necessary.Β  Here are some of the foot and ankle conditions we treat. Get that peace of mind, and reach out and book an appointment with us today!

ANKLE SPRAIN

BUNION/HALLUX VALGUS

MORTON'S NEUROMA

PLANTAR FASCIITIS

TESTIMONIAL

Testimonials

Kayla

Dr.Artis was so amazing. After going to two other podiatrists who gave me no support or hope, Dr. artis made me feel like there can be change for me. She was so patient, kind and informative. I’m actually excited to go back and get my results.

Christina

Everyone was super friendly. Doctor Rick’s explained everything thoroughly.

Benjamin

Dr Bell was incredibly thorough and personable. Gave me great information and useful information for my next steps. A great experience!

Alicia

“Fast, professional, and very clean office. I was checked in and seen within 10 minutes of my scheduled time. Dr. Ricks was straight to the point but thorough. The front desk staff was also incredibly helpful.

Travis

All of the staff are super welcoming and professional! Bianca took excellent care in getting my X-rays. Dr. Ricks was thorough in explaining my diagnosis and next steps. Highly recommended!!

Fresh

Well before I came in today to see Dr. Ricks my foot in pain was 9/10 and now I feel good πŸ™πŸΏπŸ€© thanks

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