Flat Feet

Flat feet, or fallen arches, aren’t a terribly serious condition, but they can have a considerable impact on how you make your way through the world. If you’re experiencing gait or joint problems because of flat feet, Joseph R. Disabato, DPM, and Melissa L. Gulosh, DPM, at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates can help. For better foot support, call one of the two locations in Charlottesville or Culpeper, Virginia, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.

Flat Feet

What are flat feet?

When it comes to providing your body with support, balance, and mobility, the arches in your feet play no small part. Each of your feet contains three arches:

  • Medial longitudinal arch: The main arch that runs along the bottom of your foot from front to back
  • Lateral longitudinal arch: An arch on the outside of your foot that runs parallel to your medial arch
  • Transverse arch: An arch that runs side-to-side in your midfoot

All three of these arches are made up of bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, and the first one — your medial longitudinal arch — is the main arch. This arch provides critical shock absorption in your feet, and it’s the one that’s usually affected if you have flat feet.

With flat feet, this arch is almost nonexistent, which can be a condition you’re born with or one you’ve developed because of:

  • Age
  • Wear-and-tear
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Injury

If you suspect you have flat feet, your best bet is to monitor them carefully for any signs of complications with the help of the team at Virginia Foot & Ankle.

What complications arise from flat feet?

While not particularly painful or dangerous, flat feet can cause your feet and ankles to collapse inward, which leads to misalignments on up your legs to your hips. These misalignments place undue stresses on your joints, which can create discomfort and accelerate certain conditions, like arthritis.

The effects of flat feet can even travel up to your back if your gait is greatly compromised.

How are flat feet treated?

If you have flat feet that are causing problems, the doctors at Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates review your particular case and come up with a treatment plan that will help you move about more freely. This plan may include:

  • Custom orthotics
  • Physical therapy
  • Stretching your Achilles tendon
  • Weight loss

Again, your course of action depends upon the extent of your flat feet and how much they’re affecting your gait.

To learn more about flat feet, call Virginia Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Charlottesville, VA at (434) 977-8040 or use the online scheduling tool to request an appointment.

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

VFASA CHARLOTTESVILLE

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed