Flat Feet

Experience compassionate, comprehensive podiatric treatment from our
board-certified physicians

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(724) 482-4192

30+ Years of Excellence

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Expert Physicians

Four board-certified podiatrists with extensive surgical experience

Emergency Care

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, is a condition in which the inner arch of the foot collapses or fails to develop, allowing the entire sole to make contact with the ground when standing. While many people have flat feet without any pain, others experience significant discomfort, fatigue, and secondary problems that affect not only the feet but also the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. At Family Foot Care in Butler, PA, our podiatrists evaluate and treat flat feet across all age groups, from young children whose arches are still developing to adults whose arches have collapsed over time.

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There are two main categories of flat feet. Flexible flatfoot, the more common form, is present from childhood and typically does not cause symptoms in young people. The arch appears when the person stands on tiptoes but flattens with weight bearing. Rigid flatfoot, in which the arch is absent in both positions, may indicate an underlying bone abnormality or fusion that requires careful evaluation. Adult-acquired flatfoot is a separate condition that develops later in life, most often from dysfunction or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon, which is the main support of the arch. This form tends to be progressive and can lead to significant deformity if left untreated.

Symptoms of problematic flat feet include pain along the inside of the foot or ankle, swelling, fatigue after standing or walking, difficulty wearing certain shoes, calluses on the inside of the heel or under the arch, and shoes that wear unevenly. Some patients develop bunions, hammertoes, or knee pain as a result of altered foot mechanics. Children may complain of leg cramps or refuse to participate in physical activities.

Our evaluation includes a detailed history, physical examination, gait analysis, and weight-bearing X-rays when appropriate. We assess the function of the supporting tendons, the flexibility of the arch, and the alignment of the entire lower extremity. For children, we determine whether the flatfoot is part of normal development or requires intervention. For adults, we look carefully at the posterior tibial tendon and surrounding structures.

Treatment is highly individualized. Most patients respond well to conservative care, which may include custom orthotics that support the arch, supportive footwear, stretching and strengthening exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and bracing for more severe cases. When the posterior tibial tendon is involved, early treatment is critical to prevent progression. For patients whose symptoms persist despite conservative care, or who have advanced deformity, surgical reconstruction can restore the arch and dramatically improve function. Our surgeons are experienced in modern techniques that produce excellent long-term results.