Treatment and prevention of adult flatfoot can reduce the incidence of additional foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes, arthritis and calluses, and improve a person’s overall health, according to research published in an issue of the Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery.

Adult flatfoot disorder, a progressive condition characterized by partial or total collapse of the arch, according to research. The symptoms of adult flatfoot include pain, swelling, flattening of the arch and an inward rolling of the ankle. But because flatfoot is a progressive disorder, neglecting treatment or preventive care can lead to arthritis, loss of function of the foot and other painful foot disorders over time.

Flatfoot disorder may gradually worsen to the point that many of the tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle are simply overworking, often to the point where they tear and/or rupture. In many cases, flatfoot can be treated with non-surgical approaches including orthotic devices or bracing, physical therapy, medication and shoe modifications. In some patients whose pain is not adequately relieved by conservative treatments, there are a variety of surgical techniques available to correct flatfoot and improve foot function.

As in most progressive foot disorders, early treatment for flatfoot disorder is also the patient’s best route for optimal success in controlling symptoms and additional damage to the feet, If you suspect you have a flatfoot disorder or have foot discomfort, call Ankle & Foot Associates for an evaluation with one of our physicians, at 813-985-2811.