Flat Feet Treatment in Goodyear, AZ
Flat feet do not always cause pain, but you can develop heel pain, arch fatigue, tendonitis, and even knee and lower back pain. Dr Udall treats your flat feet conservatively, with
custom orthotics, supportive shoes, and a solid informed understanding of your condition. You’ll be amazed at how much better we can get your feet without talking about surgery in most cases. Dr. Udall is also the West Valley's dedicated specialist in lower-extremity biomechanics and custom orthotics.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet describe when your foot arch is low, or collapsed, which can cause significant problems in both young patients and adults. Some people experience foot pain, but other associated problems can develop like arthritis or tendonitis and ankle, knee, or hip problems. Overpronation, pes planus or pes valgus are other common names used to describe flat feet.
How Flat Feet Affect Your Feet and Body
When the feet are flat, an imbalance occurs in the foot, causing the bones, joints, and tendons to take on more stress and strain. This imbalance leads to pain and the other associated problems related to flat feet.
Custom orthotics and proper shoes are essential for supporting flat feet, but a lot of patients want to know what makes a prescription orthotic different from a mall kiosk or a drugstore insert before they commit. Dr. Udall explains the process and who actually benefits in his post on whether custom orthotics are worth it.
Conservative Treatment for Flat Feet
Dr Udall focuses on a conservative approach to treating flat feet. Dr Udall is an expert in the biomechanics of how the feet and legs work together as we walk.
Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet
Treatment starts with making sure shoes are sturdy and supportive; custom orthotics are also essential to truly support the sagging arch. Orthotics should be prescribed by an expert foot doctor who understands how to evaluate the feet and legs so they are done right.
Flat feet and heel pain often show up in the same patient, since the arch and the plantar fascia are working together with every step. If your heel is at its worst with the first few steps in the morning, that pattern is worth understanding before assuming it is only an arch problem. We explain it in why your heel hurts when you get out of bed in the morning.
Expert Flat Feet Care
Dr Udall is an expert foot doctor and specialist in
prescribing custom orthotics to help with flat feet. Call to make an appointment with Dr Udall so he can help you get the proper orthotics, custom made just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Feet
Will Surgery Fix Flat Feet?
For most patients, conservative treatment is enough. For severe cases where pain persists despite consistent conservative care, surgery is an option. This can be discussed on an individual basis. Dr Udall is surgcially trained, and has performed many flat foot surgeries, so he will give you his un-biased, honest evaluation and opinion if it is truly necessary, without pressuring you into making a decision about surgery.
Do all flat feet need treatment?
In general, yes it is a good idea to support your arches when you have flat feet. There are people who have flat feet but no symptoms. At some point though, you’re likely to develop pain or arthritis. So “treatment” for flat feet can be viewed as taking a preventative approach by supporting your arches with proper shoes and orthotics so you can reduce the stress and strain on your feet and prevent future problems.
Can flat feet be cured?
The foot structure cannot be reversed without surgery, but flat feet symptoms can almost always be controlled with conservative care. For most patients, the goal is a comfortable foot, not a different foot.
Do custom orthotics help flat feet?
Yes, often substantially. For most flat feet patients with pain, custom orthotics are the central piece of the treatment plan. They support the arch, control overpronation, and take the daily abuse off the soft tissues.
What is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction?
PTTD is the most common cause of adult-acquired flat feet. The posterior tibial tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and supports the arch. When it weakens, gets inflamed, or tears, the arch collapses. Early diagnosis matters because PTTD progresses if untreated.
Does TRICARE cover custom orthotics?
One of the nice benefits for active duty military members, is that TRICARE usually covers custom orthotics every year. So come in and let us get you proper orthotics to help you stay on your feet. Non-active duty TRICARE patients typically don’t have orthotics coverage. But we offer a good discount for all military families, including retired or former military. It’s our way of showing appreciation and respect for who you are and what you do, and the sacrifice your families also make.
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Book Your Flat Foot Evaluation
The first step is a real exam. Dr. Udall will examine your foot structure, watch you walk, identify whether your flat feet are flexible or rigid, and rule out posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Most patients leave their first visit with a clear plan and the first rungs of the conservative ladder in motion.
