(Also see Foot Orthoses)

Most flat feet are not painful, especially those seen in children.  In the adult acquired flatfoot, pain occurs because soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments have been torn.  The deformity worsens because once the vital ligaments and tendon are lost, nothing can take their place to hold up the arch of the foot.

Most people who develop acquired flatfoot were born with flatfeet.  The condition is best treated early.  Because there is no recommended home treatment, the physicians at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers can best return the patient to a pain free condition following professional treatment.

Treatment consists of a wide variety of options including stretching, special footgear and, in some cases, surgery.  The physicians at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers can provide patients with all their options, and it is recommended that a thorough discussion of all treatments be conducted prior to any surgical procedure.

Flatfeet deformities are most often found in children.  Some grow into adults with normal arches.  Others can experience pain throughout their lives unless treated.At the age of 9 to 15 months when the child first begins to walk it is very difficult to determine the tendency to flatfeet.  However, by the age of 2 or 3, a child who exhibits flatfeet tendencies should be examined by a trained podiatrist at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers.