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Flat Foot Specialist

Jim Francois, D.P.M., P.T, PA Our Services Flat Foot
Jim Francois, D.P.M., P.T, PA - - Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Jim Francois, D.P.M., P.T, PA

Foot & Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in North Miami Beach, FL

When you have flat feet, you may not associate it with your tired, achy feet, but it’s the most likely cause of your discomfort. Podiatrist Jim François, DPM, PT, PA can examine your feet to diagnose and treat flat feet and fallen arches, reducing your pain and preventing further damage or foot deformity. If you live in or near North Miami Beach, Florida, call Dr. François’s office today to schedule your initial consultation or go online to book your appointment. Dr.François also serves the communities of Aventura, Miami, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Opa-Locka, and Sunny Isles, FL.

Flat Foot Q & A

What are the symptoms of flat foot?

When you suffer from flat foot, also called fallen arches, you may notice a variety of symptoms or none at all. Your feet may ache, hurt, or easily tire. Your feet may swell, especially on the interior bottom near your arch.

Flat feet can also limit foot movement. For instance, standing on your toes may be difficult, or in severe cases, impossible.

In some cases, flat feet can manifest as back or leg pain.

What causes flat foot?

Flat foot results when the tendons that create the arch in your foot fail to pull together correctly. These fallen arches can have many causes, including:

  • Birth abnormality
  • Torn or stretched tendons
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve problems
  • Posterior tibial tendon (PTT) damage

Underlying health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause flat foot. Certain risk factors can increase your chance of developing fallen arches and include things like obesity, pregnancy, and diabetes.

How do you treat flat foot?

Dr. François determines the best treatment for your flat feet based on various factors, like the cause of your condition and the severity of your symptoms. In mild cases with no symptoms, he may request that you monitor for further progression or deformity.

Other times, he may suggest resting your foot when symptoms worsen and using ice to reduce swelling. Dr. François may advise you to take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce any discomfort.

He may prescribe stretching exercises or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding your tendons. Orthotic devices, including braces and custom inserts, may provide the missing support that results in discomfort. He may suggest corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.

In severe cases, Dr. François may recommend surgery. The most common procedures to improve function and reduce the pain associated with fallen arches are:

  • Foot and ankle fusion
  • Spur removal
  • Bone shape changing
  • Tendon cutting
  • Tendon cleaning
  • Tendon transfer
  • Bone Graft

To learn the best option to your flat foot, call Dr. François’s office today to schedule your initial consultation, or book your appointment online.

Conditions & Treatments