Receive Treatment for Your Painful Flatfoot or Collapsed Arch in Arlington, VA
Does your wet footprint on the pool deck or sand seem to be overly wide and missing an arch? Does the entire sole of your foot touch the floor when you stand? Does your foot ache after you stand for an extended period? Are you unable to tiptoe (walk with your weight on the balls of your feet)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could have flatfoot or a collapsed arch. This common condition often develops gradually along with the natural aging process. Over time, the soft tissues that support the arch of the foot can become overstretched and worn out. Flatfoot can also result from a traumatic injury such as a torn Achilles tendon or an issue with foot development (the arches normally develop during childhood).
How Is Flatfoot Treated?
Flatfoot is not always problematic, especially if the condition does not interfere with proper leg alignment. But a collapsed arch may require treatment if it causes:
- Pain in the arch, ankle, heel or outer foot
- Muscle spasms and leg cramps
- Muscle pain or fatigue in the leg or foot
- Gait changes or pain when walking
- Toe drift (the toes and forefoot point outward)
Where to Receive Treatment for Flatfoot
If you are experiencing symptoms of flatfoot and would like to explore your treatment options, you are welcome to visit Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, Virginia. Our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Matthew Buchanan, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience in treating flatfoot and collapsed arches.
To thoroughly evaluate your condition, Dr. Buchanan will review your medical history, perform a physical exam and order digital weight-bearing foot and ankle X-rays. After confirming your diagnosis, he can help you get started on a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment plan, which may include rest, a brace or boot, shoe inserts and/or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your arch.
Although conservative therapies are often sufficient for alleviating the symptoms of flatfoot, surgery is sometimes needed to address soft tissue abnormalities and/or improve bone alignment. If you opt for surgical treatment, Dr. Buchanan will develop a customized surgery and rehabilitation plan to restore your foot’s function as quickly as possible.
Contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at 703-525-2200 today to schedule a visit with Dr. Buchanan in Arlington, VA.