Flatfoot Specialist in Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC
Flatfoot is a deformity where the arch of the foot collapses to the ground or is not formed at all resulting in pain in the foot and difficulty with walking/running. The condition is mostly seen during the first few years of life in the children. Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides expert diagnosis and individualized non-operative and operative treatments for flatfoot in Mount Pleasant, SC. Contact Blake Ohlson, M.D.’s team for an appointment today!
What is Flatfoot?
Flatfoot, also known as “fallen arches” or Pes planus, is a deformity in children’s feet where the arch that runs along the sole of the foot collapses to the ground or is not formed at all. Flatfoot is normal in the first few years of life as the arch of the foot usually develops between the age of 3 and 5 years.
What are the Types of Flatfoot?
Flatfoot can be rigid or flexible. Flexible flatfoot usually resolves without any treatment needed unless pain is involved. Rigid flatfoot, however, can cause joint pain in the leg when walking or aching pain in the feet and usually requires intervention.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors for Flatfoot?
Pediatric flatfoot is a common condition that can run in families. It is often caused by loose connections between the joints and excess baby fat deposits between the foot bones which make the entire foot touch the floor when your child stands up. A rare condition called tarsal coalition can also cause flatfoot. In this condition, two or more bones of the foot join abnormally causing stiff and painful flat feet.
What are the Symptoms of Flatfoot?
Children with flatfoot deformity may have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
- Inside arch of the foot is flattened
- Heel bone may be turned outward
- Inner aspect of the foot may appear bowed out
- Pain in the foot, leg, knee, hip or lower back
- Pain in the heels, causing difficulty with walking/running
- Discomfort while wearing shoes
- Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
- Tired, achy feet with prolonged standing or walking
How is Flatfoot Diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your child’s foot and observe your child in standing and sitting positions. If an arch forms when your child stands on his toes, the flatfoot is flexible and no further tests or treatment are necessary. If pain is associated with the condition or if the arch does not form on standing on the toes, then X-rays are ordered to assess the severity of the deformity. A computed tomography (CT) scan is ordered if tarsal coalition is suspected. If tendon injury is presumed, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended.
What are the Treatment Options for Flatfoot?
If your child does not exhibit any symptoms, your doctor may monitor your child’s condition as he/she grows to assess for any changes. If, however, your child has symptoms, your doctor may suggest some of the following non-surgical treatments:
- Activity modification: Avoid participating in activities that cause pain such as walking or standing for long periods of time.
- Orthotic devices: Your surgeon may advise the use of custom-made orthotic devices that are worn inside the shoes to support the arch of the foot.
- Physical therapy: Stretching exercises of the heel can provide pain relief.
- Medications: Pain-relieving medications such as NSAIDs can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Shoe modification: Wearing a well-fitting, supportive shoe can help relieve aching pain caused by flatfoot.
Surgery is rarely needed to treat pediatric flatfoot; however, if conservative treatment options fail to relieve your child’s symptoms, surgery may be necessary to resolve the problem. Depending on your child’s condition, various procedures may be performed including tendon transfers, tendon lengthening, joint fusion, and implant insertion.
If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of flatfoot, please contact Blake Ohlson, M.D., serving the communities of Mount Pleasant, Charleston and Summerville, SC.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Flatfoot Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Flatfoot can affect the alignment and function of the entire lower extremity, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides individualized care based on the severity of the deformity, patient age, symptoms, and activity level.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle disorders
- Comprehensive evaluation of both pediatric and adult flatfoot conditions
- Advanced diagnostic imaging when needed for accurate diagnosis
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's symptoms and lifestyle
- Emphasis on conservative treatments before recommending surgery
- Expertise in advanced surgical correction for complex or rigid flatfoot deformities
- Comprehensive rehabilitation focused on restoring strength, balance, and mobility
- Compassionate, patient-centered care throughout every stage of treatment
Whether your child has painful flat feet or you are experiencing progressive foot pain as an adult, Dr. Ohlson is committed to helping you achieve lasting relief and improved function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flatfoot
What is flatfoot?
Flatfoot, also called pes planus or fallen arches, is a condition in which the arch of the foot is absent or collapses, causing most or all of the sole to touch the ground while standing.
Is flatfoot normal in children?
Yes. Flatfoot is common during early childhood because the arches often do not fully develop until around ages 3 to 5. Many children develop normal arches as they grow without requiring treatment.
What is the difference between flexible and rigid flatfoot?
Flexible flatfoot typically shows an arch when standing on the toes or sitting and often causes few symptoms. Rigid flatfoot remains flat in all positions and is more likely to cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
When should flatfoot be evaluated by a specialist?
Evaluation is recommended if flatfoot causes persistent pain, difficulty walking or running, frequent fatigue, worsening deformity, or interferes with daily activities or sports participation.
Can flatfoot be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many patients benefit from conservative treatments such as supportive footwear, custom orthotics, physical therapy, activity modification, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications.
When is surgery recommended for flatfoot?
Surgery may be considered when significant pain or deformity persists despite conservative treatment or when rigid flatfoot or structural abnormalities significantly impair foot function.
Can flatfoot cause pain in other parts of the body?
Yes. Altered foot mechanics may contribute to pain in the ankles, knees, hips, or lower back due to changes in lower extremity alignment.
Will flatfoot get worse over time?
Some cases remain stable, while others may gradually progress, particularly if associated with tendon dysfunction, arthritis, injury, or untreated structural abnormalities. Early evaluation can help prevent worsening symptoms.