Do Flat Feet Really Need Treatment?

Flat feet can seem harmless, especially if you’ve had them for years. But when they start to affect your balance, posture, or comfort, they may be doing more damage than you realize.

Not everyone with flat feet needs treatment, but for many people, the condition causes more than just cosmetic concerns. Flat feet can affect how your body moves and functions, creating strain not only in your feet, but also in your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

You may not even notice the problem at first. However, over time, your foot's structure can affect how you walk, negatively impact your joints, and cause you to experience persistent pain.

Alpine Foot and Ankle provides expert diagnosis and care for patients with flat feet in Alpine, Wyoming, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and surrounding communities. Dr. Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, is board-certified in foot and ankle surgeon with more than two decades of experience helping people restore function and prevent long-term complications.

If you’re unsure whether flat feet are the cause of your discomfort, our team can help you find out and let you know if you need treatment.

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet (fallen arches) occur when the arches of the foot collapse. This causes the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them later due to aging, injury, or overuse.

Factors like obesity, diabetes, or standing for extended periods can increase your risk of fallen arches. In many cases, weakened tendons in the foot, especially the posterior tibial tendon, are responsible for the loss of arch support.

When the arch collapses, your foot may roll inward (overpronation), which affects your walking pattern and can lead to joint misalignment. Over time, this strain can result in pain or dysfunction not just in the feet, but up through the legs and spine.

When flat feet start to cause problems

You may need treatment for flat feet if you experience:

Ongoing foot, heel, or ankle pain
Frequent rolling of the foot
Ankle instability
Uneven shoe wear
Difficulty finding comfortable footwear
Pain that worsens after standing
Pain that worsens after walking for long periods
Discomfort in your knees, hips, or lower back

Even if your pain feels manageable, it’s worth evaluating the underlying cause. Identifying and correcting foot mechanics early can prevent future joint degeneration and reduce the need for invasive interventions later on.

Effective treatments for flat feet that fit your lifestyle

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how flat feet are affecting your movement. At Alpine Foot and Ankle, our team may recommend:

Anti-inflammatory medications
Icing for temporary pain relief
Custom orthotics (providing arch support)
Footwear guidance (improving stability)
Physical therapy (strengthening supportive muscle)

In more advanced cases, especially where there’s tendon damage or instability, Dr. McCall may consider surgical options. He performs advanced, minimally invasive procedures to correct foot alignment and relieve long-term discomfort when conservative options aren’t enough.

Get answers and relief

Flat feet don’t always require surgery. However, having flat feet means that they deserve attention — and you don’t have to wait to address them until they start interfering with your daily life. Alpine Foot and Ankle can help you stay active, stable, and pain-free.