Flat Feet Treatment in Victoria, TX

Flat feet, also called flatfoot, have a low or absent arch when standing. Some are painless; others develop pain or a changing foot shape. Dr. Matthew Eberly evaluates painful or changing arches in Victoria, TX and recommends care based on the cause.

Symptoms

Aching along the inside of the arch or the ankle
Tightness or pain in the Achilles tendon
Heel pain, especially with your first steps in the morning
Tired, sore feet after a day of standing
Shoes that wear down faster along the inside edge
An ankle that rolls inward when you stand
Knee, hip, or back pain may occur with many conditions and is not proof that flat feet are the cause

Pain on the outside of the ankle is a later sign. It can mean the heel bone has shifted far enough to pinch. Get that one looked at.

What causes flatfoot

Childhood is the common starting point. The arch never fully forms and the foot carries on flat into adult life. That kind is often painless.

A new or progressively flattening arch in adulthood can involve changes in the tendons and ligaments supporting the foot. The posterior tibial tendon is often involved, but it is not the only structure that can contribute.

Other causes:

Extra weight carried on the foot
An old foot or ankle injury
Arthritis in the joints of the rear foot
Diabetes or reduced sensation, which can be associated with serious changes in the foot

Standing, hard floors, and worn shoes may aggravate symptoms, but they do not by themselves explain every structural change in the arch.

How Dr. Eberly diagnoses flatfoot

He watches you stand and walk first. Standing shows him what an exam table cannot. He looks at the arch under your body weight, the angle of the heel from behind, and whether your toes show around the outside of the ankle.

Then comes the hands-on exam. He tests the strength of the posterior tibial tendon, checks how far the foot moves in each direction, and finds where it is tender.

Dr. Eberly assesses foot shape, movement, strength, and tenderness while considering your symptoms. Weight-bearing X-rays may help assess alignment; other imaging may be needed to evaluate soft tissues.

Treatment

Treatment depends on symptoms and the type of flatfoot. Painless flat feet may not need active treatment. For painful feet, options may include footwear changes, inserts or orthotics, exercises, bracing, or other care recommended after an examination.

Supportive shoes or footwear changes based on your symptoms and foot structure.
Inserts or orthotics may be considered to improve support or redistribute pressure.
Calf stretching or exercises when tightness contributes to symptoms.
Medication for pain or inflammation may be appropriate after a review of your health history and other medicines.
A brace or walking boot when the foot needs support or rest.
Physical therapy to address strength, flexibility, and control.

Surgery is for the foot that stays painful after months of the above, or for an arch that keeps collapsing. Dr. Eberly is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He will show you what the tendon and joints look like on imaging before he recommends anything.

What recovery looks like

Follow the fitting and break-in instructions provided for your orthotics. Contact the office if they cause persistent pain, rubbing, numbness, or skin changes rather than continuing to wear them without advice.

Recovery and follow-up depend on the cause of the flatfoot, your symptoms, and the treatment plan. Dr. Eberly can explain when to return and how to increase activity safely.

When to see a podiatrist

The arch or inside ankle hurts most days
One foot has gone flatter than the other
Your ankle rolls inward when you stand
You cannot rise up onto your toes on one leg
Foot pain is affecting daily activity
If you have diabetes or reduced sensation and your foot becomes newly warm, red, swollen, or changes shape, seek urgent medical assessment

Serious changes can occur even without much pain. Painful or changing foot shape should be assessed rather than treated as ordinary flatfoot.

Book an appointment

Call 361-576-3338 (FEET) or use our online appointment request form.

Victoria Foot & Ankle Center is at 2700 Hospital Dr, Building A, Suite 101 in Victoria, TX. Dr. Matthew Eberly, DPM treats patients from Victoria, Cuero, Edna, Hallettsville, Shiner, and across the Crossroads.