Podiatrists located in East Harlem, New York, NY & West Harlem, New York, NY
Flat Foot / Flat Foot Surgery Specialist
When you look at your foot, the inside should be naturally arched. If it isn’t, you might have flat feet. For thousands of people, flat feet pose no problem at all, but for those who experience pain, surgery can be very effective. If you have flat feet and are experiencing symptoms, contact the experts at Starrett Podiatry in one of their six New York offices today. You can find them in East Harlem and West Harlem in New York City; Flushing, New York; Brooklyn, New York; and Mott Haven and Belmont in Bronx, New York.
Some people have no symptoms at all, while others report that flat foot affects their quality of life daily. The most common symptoms include:
Fatigue in the affected foot or feet
Aches and pains near the arch and heel
Difficulty standing on your toes
Chronic leg and back pain
Swelling on the inside bottom of each foot
What causes flat foot?
The arch in your foot is created when all of the tendons in your foot are pulling correctly to create tension; when tendons fail to do this, flat foot results.
Many different conditions and factors can contribute to flat foot, including fractures, congenital abnormalities, tendons that are stretched or torn, certain health conditions, diabetes, obesity, aging, and pregnancy.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have flat feet, but they don’t cause any problems for you, there’s no need to see a doctor. However, if you deal with tired feet, aches and pains, leg and back pain, or swelling on the bottom of your feet, make an appointment.
How is flat foot diagnosed?
A podiatrist — a doctor who specializes in foot and ankle problems — will review your medical history and symptoms with you, examine your feet and gait, test your strength and range of motion, and order X-rays or an MRI if they need more information.
Some podiatrists may ask to see your shoes; this allows them to check for certain wear patterns that might indicate flat foot.
How is flat foot treated?
Treatment varies depending on severity and symptoms. Treatment can include:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and alleviate pain
Stretches and exercises
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications
Custom or over-the-counter orthotic devices
Corticosteroid injections
Surgery to fuse bones together, remove spurs, reshape bones, or make other changes designed to lift your arch
No two cases are the same; your doctor will likely try conservative treatments before recommending more invasive treatments like injections or surgery. If surgery is required, some surgical procedures can be performed on-site at Starrett Podiatry for your comfort.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
At Starrett Podiatry, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a list of some of the plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
"From beginning to end Starrett Podiatry showed nothing but professionalism and expert knowledge in their field."
Ernesto A.
"My first time in the office was great. They are very professional and caring. I would recommend this place to anyone with foot issues."
Yummy L.
"The surgeons had great bedside manner and explained everything that was going on with my foot. I found the staff easy to work with."
Michael R.
"They provided me knowledge on my diagnosis and also with the necessary tools for a speedy recovery."
Georgie D.
"The foot consultation I received was thorough and explained in a way I could understand. I am now pain free and thankful to have a podiatrist nearby I can trust."
