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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffNo treatment is necessary for flatfeet if you aren't experiencing any pain.
Therapy
- Shoe inserts (orthotic devices). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Or your doctor might suggest custom-designed arch supports, which are molded to the contours of your feet. Shoe inserts won't cure flatfeet, but they often reduce the symptoms associated with the disorder.
- Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help.
Surgery
If you are experiencing disabling pain from a severe posterior tibial tear, you may need tendon surgery.
References
- Adult (acquired) flatfoot. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00173. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Flexible flatfoot in children. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00046. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Murphy GA. Pes planus. In: Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/180182820-3/944384454/1584/610.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-03329-9..50082-9--cesec1_4255. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Hosalkar HS, et al. The foot and toes. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/180346655-3/944709937/1608/1570.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50675-7--cesec22_12336. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00166. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
- Chorley J, et al. Clinical features and management of foot pain in the young athlete. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2010.
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