Flat feet happen when the arches flatten or remain low while standing. Some people have no symptoms, while others develop foot pain after activity. Symptoms can include aching along the arch, swelling near the inside of the ankle, and uneven shoe wear. Risk factors include aging, pregnancy, and injuries. Flat feet can also develop from stretched ligaments, tendon problems, or changes in foot structure.

Genetics can play an important role in flat feet. Some people inherit naturally low arches. Others develop acquired flat feet after injury or changes involving the posterior tibial tendon. Footwear that lacks proper support can increase discomfort. A podiatrist will review your symptoms and history, examine your feet while standing and walking, and check your shoes for wear patterns. Imaging tests may be recommended when a bone or joint problem needs closer evaluation.

Orthotics can improve foot support by redistributing pressure and guiding the feet toward a comfortable position. For flexible flat feet, prefabricated orthotics may provide cushioning and arch support. Custom orthotics may be considered when symptoms persist or precise correction is needed. A podiatrist may recommend custom devices based on your foot shape and activity level. Treatment may also include wearing supportive shoes, activity changes, and gradual orthotic use. Follow-up visits help assess comfort and make adjustments.

Healing flat feet depends on the underlying cause and severity. A podiatrist may identify the source of pain, recommend appropriate support, and monitor your progress. Severe cases may require additional treatment. The goal is to reduce strain, improve comfort, and support healthy movement. If painful flat feet are affecting daily activities and you want to learn whether orthotics may help, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide you with a personalized treatment plan for lasting foot comfort.

If you are having discomfort in your feet and would like to try orthotics, contact Luis Rivera, DPM from Marin Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are inserts you can place into your shoes to help with a variety of foot problems such as flat feet or foot pain. Orthotics provide relief and comfort for minor foot and heel pain but can’t correct serious biomechanical problems in your feet.

Over-the-Counter Inserts

Orthotics come in a wide variety of over-the-counter inserts that are used to treat foot pain, heel pain, and minor problems. For example, arch supports can be inserted into your shoes to help correct overarched or flat feet, while gel insoles are often used because they provide comfort and relief from foot and heel pain by alleviating pressure.

Prescription Orthotics

If over-the-counter inserts don’t work for you or if you have a more severe foot concern, it is possible to have your podiatrist prescribe custom orthotics. These high-quality inserts are designed to treat problems such as abnormal motion, plantar fasciitis, and severe forms of heel pain. They can even be used to help patients suffering from diabetes by treating foot ulcers and painful calluses and are usually molded to your feet individually, which allows them to provide full support and comfort.

If you are experiencing minor to severe foot or heel pain, it’s recommended to speak with your podiatrist about the possibilities of using orthotics. A podiatrist can determine which type of orthotic is right for you and allow you to take the first steps towards being pain-free.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hialeah, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Flat feet develop when the arches along the inside of the feet are low or absent while standing. These arches help distribute body weight, maintain balance, and absorb shock with each step. Some people have flexible flat feet, where an arch appears when sitting or standing on tiptoes. Others have rigid flat feet, where the arch remains absent in every position. Flat feet do not always cause problems, but symptoms can develop when changes in foot structure place added stress on the feet and ankles.

Flat feet can be present from childhood or develop later in life. In adults, fallen arches can be related to aging, injury, or wear and tear. Other risk factors include diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms can include tired or aching feet after standing for long periods of time. Patients can also experience swelling along the inside of the foot or ankle. Pain can extend into the ankles, legs, or back. Changes in toe position or flexibility can also occur. A tight Achilles tendon can contribute to flat feet by affecting normal foot movement.

A podiatrist can examine the arches and determine whether flat feet are flexible or rigid. The evaluation can also assess walking patterns, foot alignment, and areas of pain. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause. A podiatrist can recommend custom orthotics to support the arches and improve how pressure is distributed across the feet. Treatment can also include targeted stretches or shoes with built-in arch support. Severe cases linked to structural problems can sometimes require surgery. Proper evaluation is especially important when fallen arches develop suddenly or begin interfering with comfortable movement. If you have pain from having flat feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief, treatment, and management tips.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Luis Rivera, DPM from Marin Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hialeah, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A foot corn is a small, thickened area of skin that develops from repeated pressure or friction. Corns often appear on or between the toes, but they can also form on other areas of the foot. The skin becomes thicker as a protective response to ongoing irritation. Wearing shoes that are too tight, narrow, or poorly fitted can squeeze the toes and create repeated rubbing. Other causes include toe deformities, abnormal walking patterns, and uneven pressure across the foot. Common symptoms include a raised or hardened area of skin, tenderness, and pain when standing or walking.

There are three common types of foot corns. A hard corn is a firm, dense patch of thickened skin that often develops over a bony area of a toe. It may have a hard center and become painful when pressure is applied. A soft corn usually forms between the toes, where moisture and friction create a softer, pale area of thickened skin. A seed corn is a very small corn that commonly develops on the bottom of the foot. It may feel like a tiny hard grain beneath the skin and can become uncomfortable when weight is placed on it.

Several factors can increase the risk of developing a corn. Poorly fitting footwear, hammertoes, and prolonged standing or walking can increase pressure and friction. A podiatrist can examine the corn and surrounding foot to determine what is causing repeated irritation. Treatment may include safely reducing the thickened skin, protecting the area from pressure, and recommending supportive footwear or orthotics, when appropriate.

Preventing corns requires addressing the source of pressure. Shoes with enough room for the toes can reduce rubbing and irritation. Corns should not be cut with sharp tools at home because this can cause injury or infection. If a corn is painful, recurring, or interfering with daily activities, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and appropriate treatment.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact Luis Rivera, DPM of Marin Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hialeah, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis develops when the thick ligament on the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes irritated from repeated stress or strain. This strong band of tissue absorbs shock and supports the arch while walking, running, and standing. Tiny tears can develop when too much pressure is placed on it, leading to pain and inflammation. The most noticeable symptom is sharp heel pain with the first few steps after getting out of bed. Pain can also return after sitting for a long time or after spending hours on your feet. Plantar fasciitis can affect one or both feet, making everyday activities more difficult and limiting comfort while walking.

Several factors increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. These include repeated impact from running, standing for long periods of time, and carrying excess body weight. Shoes that lack proper support can also place added strain on the plantar fascia. A podiatrist performs a careful examination of your foot to identify the source of heel pain and rule out conditions with similar symptoms. Diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or ultrasound scans can help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving foot function. Custom orthotics can improve arch support and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Targeted exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the foot.

Ignoring persistent heel pain can allow the condition to become more difficult to treat and interfere with work, exercise, and daily activities. Early care also lowers the chance of developing long-lasting pain that affects normal movement. A podiatrist can recommend stretching exercises that improve flexibility in the plantar fascia and calf muscles, helping to reduce strain on the ligament. The goal is to restore comfort, improve mobility, and help patients return to normal activities with less pain. If you have symptoms of plantar fasciitis, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact Luis Rivera, DPM  from Marin Foot and Ankle Centers. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

• Excessive running
• Non-supportive shoes
• Overpronation
• Repeated stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia

How Can It Be Treated?

• Conservative measures – anti-inflammatories, ice packs, stretching exercises, physical therapy, orthotic devices
• Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis
• Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Hialeah, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.