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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIn many people, flatfeet won't cause any signs or symptoms. It may be that the lower parts of your legs have aligned in such a way as to accommodate for flatfeet. If so, you may not have any pain or other problems.
If the disorder is causing you problems, you may be able to reduce foot pain by wearing over-the-counter insoles or arch supports. Ask your doctor whether these are appropriate for you.
Your doctor may suggest these other treatments and adjustments, depending on your condition:
- Custom-designed arch supports. Commonly called foot orthotics, these are interchangeable among your shoes and may provide more support because they're molded to the contours of your feet. Orthotics come in three types: rigid, semirigid and soft. The type that's right for you depends on what kind of support your doctor is trying to provide to your feet.
- Rest. Your doctor may recommend rest and avoiding activities that may aggravate your condition until your foot feels better.
- Medications. Your doctor may suggest you take over-the-counter pain relievers until your pain subsides.
- Weight loss. If you're overweight, losing weight may help.
- Wedge, in addition to an orthotic. If you have tendinitis of the posterior tibial tendon, you may need to insert a wedge along the inside edge of the orthotic to take some of the load off the tendon tissue.
- Additional foot support. If you're diagnosed with posterior tibial tendinitis, your doctor may also advise that you wear an ankle brace, walking boot or a cast for a time until the tendon inflammation subsides.
- Surgery. In severe cases of posterior tibial tearing, you may need tendon surgery.
