What Causes Flat Feet and How Can Monaca, PA Residents Find Relief?

Flat feet, also called pes planus, occur when the arches of the feet are low or absent. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can range from painless to severely limiting. For some, flat feet are inherited; for others, they develop over time due to injury, age, or medical conditions. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for finding effective solutions.

At Proactive Podiatry, Dr. Latika Hinduja and her team provide expert foot and ankle care in Monaca and Wexford, PA, offering advanced diagnostics and personalized treatments for flat feet and related pain. Whether you’re looking for conservative therapy or advanced interventions, we are here to help.

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Let’s explore what causes flat feet and how you can find long-term relief right here in Monaca.

Common Causes of Flat Feet

Flat feet can occur at any stage of life, and the causes often vary between children and adults. Recognizing these origins helps patients answer the question: “Why do I have flat feet?”

Congenital Causes

Some people are born with flat feet due to arches that never fully develop in childhood. This type of flat foot often runs in families. Many children grow out of it naturally, but in others, the condition persists into adulthood and may eventually lead to pain or mobility issues.

Acquired Causes

Flat feet that develop later in life are often due to strain, injury, or medical conditions. Common causes include:

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD): Damage to the tendon that supports the arch, leading to progressive collapse.
• Trauma or injury: Sprains, fractures, or ligament tears can destabilize the foot structure.
• Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis weaken joints and ligaments in the foot.
• Obesity: Extra body weight increases pressure on the arch, accelerating collapse.
• Diabetes or nerve conditions: These may affect muscle tone and contribute to foot deformities.

Age-Related Causes

With aging, muscles and tendons lose elasticity, and ligaments stretch more easily. These changes weaken the arch, making flat feet a common issue among older adults.

Recognizing Symptoms and Potential Complications

Not everyone with flat feet experiences discomfort. However, when problems arise, they can extend beyond the foot itself.

Common Flat Feet Symptoms

• Pain or fatigue in the arch, heel, or ankle, especially after activity.
• Swelling along the inside of the foot or ankle.
• Stiffness or decreased range of motion.
• Difficulty standing on tiptoes.
• Misalignment of the knees or hips.

Possible Complications

Flat feet can also contribute to long-term problems, including:

• Chronic plantar fasciitis.
• Bunions, hammertoes, or other deformities.
• Early-onset arthritis in the foot or ankle.
• Poor posture and lower back pain.
• Limited mobility due to recurring discomfort.

These risks highlight why flat foot therapy and early intervention are so important for preserving long-term function.

How Flat Feet Are Diagnosed

At Proactive Podiatry, identifying the exact cause of flat feet ensures treatment is both accurate and effective.

Clinical Evaluation

Your podiatrist begins by reviewing medical history, examining your arches, and testing muscle strength and flexibility.

Gait Analysis

Watching how you walk provides insight into how your arches function and whether your feet overpronate (roll inward). This also shows how your gait impacts knees, hips, and spine.

Advanced Imaging

Digital X-rays and 3D foot scans reveal arch height, joint structure, and weight distribution. These tools allow us to pinpoint the root cause of flat feet symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Treatment Options for Flat Foot Pain Relief

Treatment depends on the severity of your condition, lifestyle, and goals. Many patients improve significantly with non-surgical strategies, while surgery is reserved for advanced cases.

Conservative Care

• Supportive Footwear: Selecting shoes with strong arch support and cushioned soles helps reduce strain.
• Custom Orthotics: Designed with 3D scanning, these inserts redistribute pressure and restore proper alignment. Unlike store-bought insoles, custom orthotics are tailored to your unique foot structure.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight tendons improves balance and function.
• SoftWave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment stimulates healing in tendons and reduces chronic pain.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Weight management, low-impact exercise, and avoiding prolonged standing can lessen daily discomfort.

Surgical Options

When conservative methods aren’t enough, surgery may be recommended. At Proactive Podiatry, Dr. Hinduja specializes in minimally invasive procedures that restore arch support, repair tendons, and correct deformities, all with reduced downtime compared to traditional surgery.

Local Resources for Evaluation and Care in Monaca, PA

If you’re struggling with flat foot pain, expert care is available close to home. At Proactive Podiatry in Monaca and Wexford, we provide:

• On-site diagnostics, including digital X-rays and 3D scanning.
• Personalized treatment plans that range from orthotics to advanced therapies.
• Minimally invasive surgical solutions for severe cases.
• Same-day appointments for urgent needs.

With Dr. Latika Hinduja’s expertise, patients gain access to both cutting-edge technology and compassionate care designed for long-term results.

Find Relief and Restore Comfort with Proactive Podiatry

Flat feet don’t have to hold you back from living comfortably. By understanding the causes of flat feet and seeking timely treatment, you can prevent complications and enjoy pain-free movement again. At Proactive Podiatry, Dr. Latika Hinduja provides comprehensive care, from conservative therapies to advanced surgical solutions, tailored to each patient’s needs.

Call us at (724) 775-6168 or Book Your Appointment today to start your journey toward long-lasting flat foot pain relief.

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