Pronated feet, sometimes called bent or “flat feet,” are a complex deformity revealed and symptomatic when the patient is weight-bearing. This three-plane motion (dorsiflexion, eversion, and abduction) and collapsing of the inside archway can cause tendon pathology — a.k.a. Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD).
This can also cause plantar fasciitis and stress to other structures such as the ankle, knee, and hip. Symptoms include pain, fatigue, and instability. If pronated feet are left untreated over time, severe arthritis will develop as well as permanent tendon damage.
Our doctors will recommend either conservative treatment or surgical treatment options for pronated feet depending on the severity of the issue and the patient’s lifestyle and medical history.
Conservative Pronated Feet Treatment Options
Shoes
A shoe with a firm supportive sole is the foundation to the overall conservative treatment of the symptoms and biomechanical problems associated with pronated feet. Best shoes for flat feet and best running shoes for flat feet are crucial for managing symptoms.
Padding
Soft padding under and around the arch of the foot lands may provide limited symptomatic relief, but is not very effective in correcting the biomechanical problem that causes of neutral pronation feet.
Arch Support
Temporary arch supports or molded orthotics will give relief to painful pressure, and is the easiest solution for long-term treatment with or without surgical intervention. Insoles for flat feet are often recommended.
Medication
Anti-inflammatory medication can help with chronic pain but won’t make a noticeable difference for sharp, acute pain.
Bracing
Foot and ankle orthotics or bracing can hold the one foot in a better position that will help relieve the stress on the posterior tibialis tendon, and provide the most stable, supportive solution with or without surgery.
The type of surgical correction needed for pronated feet depends mostly on how long the problem has been present. Surgery can be as simple as cleaning the inflamed tube around the tendon if the tendon is healthy, or as complex as removing the part of the tendon that is completely damaged and stretched out and reconnecting the remaining healthy tendon to the nearby bone.
The procedure is performed in an outpatient facility under sedation and non-weight-bearing is essential for 3 to 6 weeks, and after 48 to 72 hours bed rest and foot elevation. Partial weight-bearing can begin at 6 to 8 weeks in a walking cast. Other more complex procedures may be necessary and involve bone osteotomies and fusions. Non-weight-bearing is extended to 8 weeks, and full weight-bearing at 12 weeks.
At Modern Foot & Ankle, we are not just a clinic; we are your ultimate partner in foot health, offering a unique blend of expertise, innovation, and personalized care. Our commitment to excellence makes us stand out in the care of pronated feet and related foot conditions. Here's how we redefine foot care excellence:
Unmatched Expertise in Foot Health
Our team comprises top-tier specialists with unparalleled expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of foot conditions, from the common flat foot and foot pronation issues to complex cases involving the achilles tendon and medial tibial stress syndrome. Our depth of knowledge ensures accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
Tailored Treatment Innovations
We go beyond one-size-fits-all solutions, offering the latest in conservative therapies and advanced surgical interventions. Whether you need motion control shoes to manage normal pronation or cutting-edge surgical remedies for shin splints, we have the tailored treatment to meet your needs.
Customized Patient Experience
Understanding that each patient's journey is unique, we offer personalized care plans designed to fit your specific circumstances. From managing foot pain to addressing conditions of the big toe and smaller toes, every aspect of your care is tailored to you.
Holistic Support System
Our care extends beyond the treatment room. We provide comprehensive support, covering everything from insurance navigation and rehabilitation to preventive education, ensuring your feet remain healthy now and in the future.
Pioneering Technology for Foot Care
Leveraging the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, we aim for minimal downtime and optimal outcomes. Our innovative approach includes the use of specialized running shoes and supports for flat feet, enabling us to address foot or leg pain effectively.
Proactive Education and Preventive Strategies
Knowledge is power. We empower our patients with essential information about their conditions and the preventive measures they can take. From understanding the impact of foot strikes on the human body to the selection of the right shoes for excess pronation, we ensure you have the knowledge to prevent future issues.
By choosing Modern Foot & Ankle, you're not just getting a foot care provider—you're choosing a dedicated partner committed to ensuring your foot health and overall well-being.
In Summary
Pronated feet, marked by the inward foot rolls, can cause a spectrum of problems including foot pain, shin splints, knee pain, and achilles tendon issues.
It's crucial to understand this condition and its effects, such as medial tibial stress syndrome and the importance of proper foot landing.
Selecting the appropriate footwear, like motion control and stability shoes, is essential for managing symptoms and supporting normal pronation refers.
We emphasize the importance of addressing the biomechanics of the entire foot, including the big toe, smaller toes, and the second toe, to ensure overall foot health.
Our tailored treatments range from conservative measures, such as insoles and advice from a physical therapist, to surgical options for more severe cases.
The information on our website is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. For any health-related concerns, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional. Please note that any reliance on the information found on our site is solely at your own risk. For more details, please see our Medical Disclaimer.
FAQs
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Yes, flat feet can cause painful problems within the 26 bones contained in the foot, as well as the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
Can flat feet be corrected?
Flat feet can be corrected through conservative treatments, using orthotic devices to support the foot and monitor related joint issues, or through surgery, which varies in complexity from simple procedures for younger patients to more complex surgeries for adults.
Is flat feet permanent?
Flat feet are permanent, but do not always require treatment. Depending upon the individual weight, activity, and other structural problems, many people with flat feet can function with proper shoe gear and orthotic supports. Surgery is also an option, but it should be only entertained if conservative treatment fails.
Why are flat feet not allowed in the military?
Flat feet as an exclusion in the military used to be because this condition is associated with the inability to perform duties under extreme conditions. However, flat feet are no longer grounds for disqualification for natural movement. If your flat feet are asymptomatic, you may still be considered.
How do flat feet cause back pain?
Flat feet can cause back pain due to the stress and positioning they put on the lumbar vertebrae. Excessive foot flattening and pronation cause swaying of the lower back or lordosis.
How can I improve my foot arch?
The best way to improve your foot arch is with either proper shoe gear, additional arch supports, or custom molded orthotics or playing with football or tennis ball. Orthotics are the best option because of the positioning of the foot (neutral position) that can ‘lock’ the arch or give it more stability.
Can flat feet cause hip problems?
Yes, flat feet can cause hip problems. Flat feet are associated with excessive pronation (rotational foot position in 3 planes) which can cause problems with the hips, lower back, knees, and ankles.
Can you reverse fallen arches?
No, you cannot reverse fallen arches. If they are caused by a genetic component or associated traumatic event, once the arches have fallen one only has 2 options. Supportive shoes with over the counter arch supports or custom molded orthotics and surgical intervention.
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