You can do a simple test to see if you have flat feet: just wet your feet and then stand on a dry part of the floor. If your arch leaves a full imprint, including in the middle, then you probably have flat feet. Over 60 million people in the USA have flat feet, so you are not alone. But you suffer from pain and discomfort in your feet that can radiate to your knees, hips, and back if the condition is not properly addressed.

The 2 main types of flat feet are congenital flat feet and acquired flat feet:

• Congenital flat feet—This means you are born with the condition. There are several types of congenital flat feet with the most common being flexible flat feet. Your arch flattens out when you put weight on your foot. Another type exhibits with having no discernible arch at all. Untreated flat feet don’t always cause problems, but see your foot doctor if you have any foot and ankle pain.
• Acquired flat feet—This type of flat feet occurs over time from the relentless pressure and stress put on your feet as you walk, work, exercise, etc. Fortunately, properly fitted shoes and the right orthotic inserts and arch supports can correct arch problems and prevent painful conditions like plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.

See your foot doctor for an exam and computerized gait analysis to determine what type of flat feet you have and to make sure that you get the proper custom orthotics and other necessary treatments. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.