How would you describe the pain - dull, sharp, burning?.

Your health care provider may ask some of the following questions:

What medications and supplements do you take regularly?.

Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?.

Do your parents or siblings have flatfeet?.

What other medical problems, if any, do you have?.

When did you first notice problems with your feet?.

Before the appointment, you might want to write answers to the following questions: Wear your everyday shoes to your appointment so your health care provider can look at the wear patterns on the soles. 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. Losing weight can reduce stress on the feet. Pain relievers that are available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) might help. Arch supports that are available without a prescription might increase your comfort. Participate in low-impact activities - such as walking, biking or swimming - rather than jumping and running activities. Avoid activities that aggravate the condition. If flatfeet causes you minor pain, you might want to try: Surgery can repair the bone and tendon problems that are causing the pain. Surgery may be an option when patients have pain that still limits their activities after they have tried nonsurgical treatments.

Surgery isn't done solely to correct flatfeet.

A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet and guidance to improve gait. Flatfeet may contribute to overuse injuries in some runners. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon. Arch supports won't cure flatfeet, but they often reduce symptoms. Sometimes custom-designed arch supports that are molded to the contours of the feet are recommended. Nonprescription arch supports can help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet.

Therapiesįor painful flatfeet, a health care provider might suggest: No treatment is necessary for flatfeet if it doesn't cause pain.

Flat foot shoe inserts