Our Services / Flat feet

Researchers estimate that 25% of Americans have flat feet. Flat feet don’t always present symptoms, but without treatment, they may affect your gait, posture, and mobility. At NYC Footcare PC, foot and ankle surgeons Paul Drucker, DPM, Jarret Drucker, DPM, AACFAS, and the team, treat flat feet in people of all ages. The practice has multiple offices on the Upper East Side at 60th and 70th Street in New York City, with additional offices in Jamaica, Queens, and Plainview, New York, and a surgical center in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Schedule your appointment by calling the nearest office or booking online today.

What are flat feet?

If you have flat feet, your soles touch the ground whenever you stand up or take a step. 

All children have flat feet at birth, but they typically develop arches by age two or three. Sometimes, the arches never develop. If that happens, you’re more likely to experience foot pain and other problems.

What are the types of flat feet?

The team at NYC Footcare PC diagnoses and treats several types of flat feet, including:

Flexible flat feet

If you have flexible flat feet, your arches are visible when sitting down, but they disappear when you stand up. Flexible flat feet are more common in children and teens and tend to worsen with age.

Rigid flat feet

If you have rigid flat feet, you don’t have visible arches, whether sitting or standing. The most common symptom of rigid flat feet is lasting foot pain.

Adult-acquired flat feet

Adult-acquired flat feet occur when the arch of your foot suddenly drops or collapses. Adult-acquired flat foot usually affects only one of your feet. Common causes include inflammation and tendon tears.

Vertical Talus

Vertical talus is a congenital defect that prevents the arches from forming. It occurs when you’re born with the talus bone in the wrong position.

How are flat feet diagnosed?

The team at NYC Footcare PC diagnoses flat feet during an in-office visit.

First, your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if the pain extends to other areas of your body, and if they affect your ability to work or exercise.

Next, your NYC Footcare PC provider has you sit, stand, and walk around the exam room. They observe your gait, posture, and arches during these activities to determine the severity of the condition. They might also order X-rays to assess the alignment of the bones and joints in your feet.

How are flat feet treated?

At NYC Footcare PC, the team treats flat feet using minimally invasive and conservative measures. Depending on your age, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms, your provider might recommend:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• At-home stretches
• Strengthening exercises
• Custom orthotics
• Bracing

If your symptoms persist or worsen, your provider might recommend surgical repair, but only if absolutely necessary.

To explore the various treatment options for flat feet, make an appointment at NYC Footcare PC by calling the nearest office or booking online today.