Flat Feet Treatment in Goodyear, AZ
Flat feet do not always cause problems, but when they do, the pain can be relentless. Heel pain. Arch fatigue. Knee and lower back pain that traces all the way down to how your feet load. Foot Envy treats flat feet conservatively first, with custom orthotics, supportive bracing, and footwear changes that take the daily abuse off your feet.
Dr. Craig Udall, DPM is the West Valley's specialist in lower-extremity biomechanics, and that is exactly what flat feet treatment depends on. TRICARE and veteran friendly. Same-week visits. Se habla español.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet 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.
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.
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 care is enough. For severe cases of adult-acquired flatfoot or rigid flat feet that are significantly limiting function despite consistent conservative care, surgery is an option. It is real surgery with real recovery, and it is reserved for cases where the alternative is permanent pain or lost function.
If surgery is on the table for you, Dr. Udall walks through the specific procedure recommended, what recovery looks like, and what the realistic outcome is. The decision is yours, with our honest input. For most flat feet patients, that decision never has to be made.
Do all flat feet need treatment?
No. Many people have flat feet and no symptoms. Treatment is for flat feet that are causing pain, limiting activity, or part of a progressive condition like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Asymptomatic flat feet usually do not need anything beyond good shoes.
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.
Can you join the military with flat feet?
Generally, yes, although it depends on severity and the specific branch's standards. Most branches allow flat feet that are flexible and not painful. Severe or symptomatic flat feet may disqualify a candidate. The MEPS evaluation makes that call. If you need a private podiatric evaluation before MEPS, we can help.
What is the VA disability rating for flat feet?
The VA rates flat feet under diagnostic code 5276, with ratings ranging from 0 percent to 50 percent depending on severity, whether the condition is unilateral or bilateral, and how much it limits function. The VA determines the rating, not us, but a thorough medical evaluation supports the claim. We can provide that evaluation for patients who need it for documentation or a second opinion.
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.
Does TRICARE cover flat feet treatment at your office?
Yes, we accept TRICARE patients. Coverage for custom orthotics and other treatments depends on your specific TRICARE plan and whether the condition is medically necessary. We verify benefits before any work starts.
Does Medicare cover flat feet treatment?
Medicare covers the exam and most treatments. Custom orthotic coverage varies and is generally tied to specific conditions (like diabetes) rather than flat feet alone. We can check your specific plan when you call.
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.
¿Habla español?
Sí. Dr. Udall y nuestro equipo hablan español con fluidez. Llame al 623-248-4734 para programar una cita.
Get Expert Foot Care From Dr. Craig Udall
What Our Patients Say
Other Foot & Ankle Conditions We Treat
Custom Orthotics
Orthotics support your feet and relieve pain, and are the main treatment for conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
Hammer Toes
In-Office Treatment
Hammer Toes can rub on the shoe, or cause pressure on the tip of the toes, causing pain. Not to mention they can look a little funny when they're curled. Dr Udall is an expert at diagnosing, and treating hammer toes. He has mastered a simple procedure that fixes most hammer toes.
Heel Pain
(Plantar Fasciitis)
After seeing Dr Udall and getting xrays, you'll understand why your heel hurts, and feel confident that conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis works well.
Ingrown Toenails
Ready to have your toe stop hurting? When you have an ingrown toenail, you know how painful it really is. If your toe hasn't gotten better within a few days, it's not going to get better on its own.
Drop Foot
Dr Udall is the Valley's drop foot doctor expert for balance problems! As a podiatrist focusing on biomechanics of the lower extremity, Dr Udall can help you determine what is causing your balance issues, and work on helping you feel more functional again.
Foot & Ankle Pain
There are many things that cause foot pain. Feet are complicated, so you need an expert to help you sort it all out and get a proper diagnosis. Whether you have foot or ankle pain, arthritis, or an old injury, Dr Udall will take the time to get the right diagnosis, and then you'll work together on a solution that works best for you.
Diabetic Foot Care
Living with diabetes means taking extra care of your feet. Dr Udall provides gentle diabetic foot exams, nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help prevent complications and keep you safely on your feet.
Elderly Foot Care
As we age, caring for our feet becomes more difficult. Dr Udall provides gentle nail care, callus treatment, and routine foot care to help seniors stay comfortable, mobile, and independent.
Neuropathy
If you have neuropathy, or think you might have neuropathy, make an appointment to visit Dr. Udall to talk about it. Dr Udall is not like other doctors out there when it comes to neuropathy. He is interested in helping you understand what is going on, helping you get a proper diagnosis, and doing what is best for you. There is no one size fits all treatment for neuropathy.
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.
