What do Angelina Jolie, Usain Bolt, and Elton John have in common? They each have pes planus, or more commonly flat feet. Pes planus is a condition where the arches of the feet are lower than usual or completely collapsed. It can be either congenital or acquired, occur in one or both feet, and may affect people of all ages. The Foot & Ankle Team at Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists work together to care for patients with pes planus.
If not congenital, people can acquire flat feet from traumatic injury, arthritis, diabetes, and obesity. In some cases, arches never develop properly during childhood. Most children with congenital pes planus develop an arch by age five to 10, and any symptoms should resolve. Pes planus has a 17% prevalence in non-Hispanic whites and a 34% prevalence in African Americans. There is a one-to-one ratio of pes planus between men and women.
“We welcome patients with flat feet and aim to work with them to manage their condition,” says Dr. Zerah Ali, podiatrist with the SOS Foot & Ankle Team. “SOS has a variety of resources to treat ailing feet and provide relief.” While flat feet are common and often painless, they can lead to discomfort and other complications if not properly managed. Some people with flat feet experience no symptoms, but others may notice pain in the arch or heel, swelling, or altered gait.
In most cases, flat feet can be managed with non-surgical methods including supportive footwear and orthotic devices, exercise, and weight management. The SOS Shop provides education and professional fittings in a relaxed atmosphere for customers with flat feet and other foot ailments. “A pedorthist can help people with the dysfunction and discomfort of flat feet by providing custom foot orthotics and proper fitting shoes,” says Maureen J. Kaljeskie, C. Ped., SOS Shop. “Appropriate footwear can relieve pressures in the midfoot, redistributing weight and reduce the pain that can be associated with this condition.”
Physical therapy can help improve foot mechanics and reduce discomfort. “Our goal for treating pes planus is to improve the function of the tendon running along the inner ankle and foot,” comments Caitlyn J. Hennessey, PT, DPT, SOS Orthopedic & Sports Therapy. “This will better support the arch responsible for weight bearing activities and help patients’ feet to function more properly.”
If are person experiences persistent pain, swelling, or difficulty walking, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. The experts at SOS will work with you to navigate treatment and care to ensure your feet are healthy. Flat feet are common and typically manageable, but patients should take proactive steps to help alleviate symptoms and maintain foot health. You may not win gold medals like Usain Bolt, but through supportive footwear, orthotics, or exercises, managing flat feet can lead to a more comfortable and active lifestyle.
SOS Foot and Ankle Team Phone: (315) 883-5881