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Locally Owned and Operated
Over 25 Years of Experience
Flat Feet for Adults and Children in Warrensburg, MO
Pediatric flatfeet are a common childhood foot deformity and are hereditary. The pediatric flatfoot can be divided into 2 groups: flexible and rigid. The flexible foot arch appears normal non-weightbearing but flattens with weightbearing and is more common. The flexible flatfoot may be pain-free but can lead to painful deformities into adulthood. The rigid flatfoot arch remains flat and stiff with and without weightbearing. The rigid flatfoot is more concerning and more often associated with painful symptoms. In either case, flexible or rigid flatfoot, there are a variety of underlying reasons requiring different treatments.
The adult flatfoot usually begins in childhood and continues into adult years. However, our feet tend to flatten and widen as we age. Some tendon pathologies can compromise the arch leading to more severe adult flatfeet. The flatfoot is an inefficient foot causing muscle and joints to work harder leading to tendonitis, bunions, hammertoes, arthritis, knee pain, hip pain, back pain.
General treatments are the same for pediatric and adult flatfeet. Conservative treatments include arch supports (orthotics), good shoes, modified activity, medications, and physical therapy. Occasionally, specialized supportive foot and ankle devices are necessary. Surgery may be needed for both symptomatic pediatric and adult flatfeet depending on pathology and age. See Dr. Nowlin for evaluation and discussion of options.
Having trouble with flat feet? Reach us at (660) 429-2626.