If you often feel foot pain, leg fatigue, or notice your shoes wearing unevenly, you might be dealing with flat feet. It’s a common condition but often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting daily comfort or mobility.
At Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we help patients across Omaha, Hastings, Lincoln, Gretna, Grand Island, York, Norfolk, Hebron, Wahoo, Falls City, and Auburn understand and treat foot conditions like flat feet early – before they lead to chronic pain or posture problems.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet or fallen arches occur when the arches inside your feet collapse or don’t develop properly. This causes your entire foot to touch the ground when you stand.
The condition can be present from birth or develop over time due to aging, injury, or excessive stress on the feet. While not always painful, flat feet can lead to discomfort, knee strain, or back pain if left untreated.
How Do You Know If You Have Flat Feet?
Wondering, How do you know if you have flat feet? Here’s a simple way to check at home:
- The Wet Foot Test:
Wet your feet and stand on a flat surface, like a piece of paper. If you see a full footprint with no curve along the inside, you likely have flat feet. - Check Shoe Wear Patterns:
Shoes that wear down more on the inside edges can indicate flat arches. - Look for Common Symptoms:
- Tired or achy feet after walking
- Heel or arch pain
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to visit a foot and ankle specialist for a detailed evaluation.
Flat Feet vs Normal Feet: Key Differences
It can be tricky to spot the difference between flat feet vs normal feet, but understanding how they differ helps identify potential issues early.
Feature | Normal Feet | Flat Feet |
Arch Shape | Visible curve under the arch | Little to no curve |
Pressure Distribution | Even weight balance | More weight on the inner side |
Footprint Test | Gap in middle of the print | Full foot impression |
Pain Level | Typically pain-free | May cause foot, knee, or back pain |
If your arches appear when you sit but flatten when you stand, you may have flexible flat feet, a condition that can still cause discomfort if untreated.
Treatment Options for Flat Feet
At Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we offer personalized treatment options for flat feet to relieve pain and prevent long-term problems.
Our treatments include:
- Custom Orthotics: Supportive insoles that improve arch alignment and reduce strain.
- Supportive Footwear: Shoes designed with built-in arch support and cushioning.
- Medication or Injections: To reduce inflammation and pain when needed.
Surgical Options: For advanced or structural cases that don’t respond to conservative care.
How to Prevent Flat Feet Pain
Even if you have mild flat feet, daily care can prevent discomfort and complications.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your arches.
- Stretch your calves and arches regularly.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces.
- Replace worn-out shoes promptly.
Small lifestyle changes can protect your feet and help you stay active longer.
Expert Foot & Ankle Care Across Nebraska
Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons proudly serves patients across Omaha, Lincoln, Gretna, Hastings, Grand Island, York, Norfolk, Wahoo, Hebron, Falls City, and Auburn.
Our board-certified podiatrists specialize in:
- Flat feet and arch pain
- Custom orthotics
- Heel and tendon pain
- Sports injuries
Advanced foot and ankle surgery
If you’ve ever wondered whether you have flat feet, don’t ignore the signs. The earlier you get evaluated, the easier it is to prevent future pain or injury.
At Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons, we provide customized treatment plans, including custom orthotics, therapy, and long-term foot care to restore comfort and balance.
Flat feet occur when the arches of the feet collapse, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. Common signs include tired feet, pain, and uneven shoe wear. At Platte River Foot & Ankle Surgeons, serving Omaha, Lincoln, Gretna, Hastings, and nearby Nebraska cities, our specialists provide diagnosis and treatments such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, and podiatric care to relieve pain and improve mobility.
