FLAT FEET TREATMENT IN CHILLICOTHE, OHIO

Pes planus, commonly known as flat feet or fallen arches, is a condition where the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. While some people have flat feet from childhood, others develop the condition over time due to aging, injury, or wear and tear on the tendons that support the arch.

Common symptoms of flat feet:

• Pain along the inner ankle and arch area
• Swelling along the inside of the ankle
• Feet that tire easily during standing or walking
• Difficulty with activities like running, jumping, or standing on tiptoes
• Knee, hip, or lower back pain caused by altered biomechanics
• Shoes that wear unevenly, especially along the inner sole

Common causes include:

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
• Genetics and inherited foot structure
• Obesity and excess weight placing stress on the arch
• Arthritis or joint inflammation
• Previous foot or ankle injuries
• Aging and natural tendon weakening

Not all flat feet require treatment—some people have painless flexible flat feet that function well. However, flat feet that cause pain, limit activity, or progressively worsen need professional evaluation and care.

Without treatment, problematic flat feet can lead to:

• Chronic foot and ankle pain that worsens over time
• Progressive arch collapse and foot deformity
• Posterior tibial tendon damage or rupture
• Development of bunions, hammertoes, and other deformities
• Ankle instability and increased risk of sprains
• Compensatory pain in the knees, hips, and lower back

Dr. Storts evaluates the severity and underlying cause of your flat feet to determine whether conservative treatment, advanced therapies, or surgical correction is the best path forward.

Dr. Storts develops a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and cause of your flat feet:

• Custom Orthotics: Precision-designed orthotic devices to support the arch, redistribute pressure, and correct alignment
• Physical Therapy: Targeted strengthening exercises for the posterior tibial tendon and supporting muscles
• Bracing and Support: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for moderate to severe cases requiring additional stabilization
• Anti-Inflammatory Treatment: Managing pain and inflammation to allow healing
• Regenerative Medicine: PRP and stem cell therapy for damaged tendons contributing to arch collapse
• Surgical Reconstruction: For severe or progressive cases that don't respond to conservative treatment, including tendon repair, bone realignment, and joint fusion procedures

Most patients with flat feet respond well to conservative treatment, especially when the condition is addressed early. Dr. Storts uses advanced gait analysis to precisely identify your biomechanical issues and tailor your treatment accordingly.

If flat feet are causing you pain or limiting your daily activities, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Early intervention can prevent progressive deformity and the need for more invasive treatment down the road.

Call (740) 851-4003 today to schedule your evaluation with Dr. Storts. Evening appointments available for working professionals.