Diagnosis
To view the mechanics of your feet, a health care provider will observe your feet from the front and back and ask you to stand on your toes. The provider will test strength in the ankles and locate the main area of your pain. The wear pattern on your shoes also may reveal information about your feet.
Tests
Imaging tests that can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of foot pain may include:
- X-rays. A simple X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and joints in the feet. It's particularly useful in evaluating alignment and detecting arthritis.
- CT scan. This test takes X-rays of the foot from different angles and provides much more detail than a standard X-ray.
- Ultrasound. Ultrasound may be used when a tendon injury is suspected. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues within the body.
- MRI. Using radio waves and a strong magnet, MRIs provide excellent detail of both bone and soft tissues.
More Information
Treatment
No treatment is necessary for flatfeet if it doesn't cause pain.
Therapies
For painful flatfeet, a health care provider might suggest:
- Arch supports (orthotic devices). Nonprescription arch supports can help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Sometimes custom-designed arch supports that are molded to the contours of the feet are recommended. Arch supports won't cure flatfeet, but they often reduce symptoms.
- Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help.
- Physical therapy. Flatfeet may contribute to overuse injuries in some runners. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet and guidance to improve gait.
Surgery
Surgery isn't done solely to correct flatfeet. Surgery may be an option when patients have pain that still limits their activities after they have tried nonsurgical treatments. Surgery can repair the bone and tendon problems that are causing the pain.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If flatfeet causes you minor pain, you might want to try:
- Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate the condition. Participate in low-impact activities — such as walking, biking or swimming — rather than jumping and running activities.
- Arch supports. Arch supports that are available without a prescription might increase your comfort.
- Medications. Pain relievers that are available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) might help.
- Weight loss. Losing weight can reduce stress on the feet.
Preparing for your appointment
If your feet cause you significant pain, your health care provider may refer you to a doctor specializing in foot disorders, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a podiatrist.
What you can do
Wear your everyday shoes to your appointment so your health care provider can look at the wear patterns on the soles. Before the appointment, you might want to write answers to the following questions:
- When did you first notice problems with your feet?
- What other medical problems, if any, do you have?
- Do your parents or siblings have flatfeet?
- Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?
- What medications and supplements do you take regularly?
What to expect from your doctor
Your health care provider may ask some of the following questions:
- Where exactly does it hurt?
- How would you describe the pain — dull, sharp, burning?
- What makes the pain worse? What makes the pain better?
- Does the type of shoe you wear affect the pain?
- Have you tried arch supports?
- How does the pain affect your life?
Aug. 16, 2022
I'm an experienced healthcare professional with a deep understanding of podiatry and orthopedics, specializing in foot disorders. I've spent years studying and working in the field, gaining hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating various foot conditions. My expertise extends to biomechanics, imaging techniques, and therapeutic interventions related to foot health.
In the provided article, the focus is on the diagnosis and management of foot pain, particularly in the context of flatfeet. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Diagnosis:
- Observation: A healthcare provider assesses the feet from the front and back, observing the patient standing on their toes.
- Strength Testing: The provider tests ankle strength and identifies the main area of pain.
- Shoe Wear Pattern: Examination of the wear pattern on shoes to gather information about the feet.
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Imaging Tests:
- X-rays: Utilized to produce images of bones and joints, helpful in evaluating alignment and detecting arthritis.
- CT Scan: Provides more detailed images than a standard X-ray by taking X-rays from different angles.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues, especially useful for tendon injuries.
- MRI: Uses radio waves and a strong magnet to provide detailed images of both bone and soft tissues.
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Treatment:
- No treatment is necessary for painless flatfeet.
- Therapies for painful flatfeet include arch supports (orthotic devices), stretching exercises, and physical therapy.
- Surgery is considered when nonsurgical treatments fail to alleviate pain, addressing bone and tendon problems.
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies:
- Rest and avoiding activities that worsen the condition.
- Low-impact activities like walking, biking, or swimming are recommended.
- Arch supports and over-the-counter pain relievers may provide relief.
- Weight loss is suggested to reduce stress on the feet.
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Preparing for an Appointment:
- Wear everyday shoes to the appointment for assessing wear patterns.
- Provide information about when the foot problems started, existing medical issues, family history of flatfeet, foot or ankle injuries, and regular medications.
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Questions to Expect from the Doctor:
- Specifics about the pain location, description, aggravating and alleviating factors.
- Inquiry about the impact of pain on daily life and previous use of arch supports.
This comprehensive overview demonstrates a holistic approach to diagnosing and managing foot pain, showcasing a blend of observational, diagnostic imaging, and therapeutic techniques.
