Bone & Joint Staff • June 22, 2022
Flatfeet Complications and Treatment Options
As the name implies, those who have flatfeet have no visible arches. This means the entire soles of their feet touch the floor when they stand up. This condition is common and usually painless. It’s typically caused when the arches don’t develop properly during childhood, but can also occur from injury or simple wear-and-tear as the body ages.
For some, though, flatfeet can cause complications. Luckily, there are several available treatments that can help make these complications more manageable.
Potential Complications from Flatfeet
- General Pain –The pain that arises from flatfeet is often located on the foot, inside the ankle or on the lower leg. However, it may also occur in the knees, hips or other joints due to muscle strain from poor alignment. Typically, discomfort is at its worst when physically active and improves with rest.
- Bunions – A bunion is a bony bump that appears at the joint at the base of the big toe. Often the result of ill-fitting shoes, individuals with flatfeet are more prone than others to experience this painful condition.
- Plantar Fasciitis – The plantar fascia is a broad band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. Excessive stretching of this tissue can lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in stabbing pain in the heel or arch. Flatfeet can place excessive strain on the plantar fascia, which can cause plantar fasciitis.
Treatment Options for Flatfeet
A physical exam and X-rays can help determine if flatfeet are problematic. Most cases of painful flatfeet can be treated through simple measures such as:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), rest, and ice to help ease pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen tight tendons and muscles, which can improve flexibility and mobility.
- Custom-designed arch supports known as orthotics, foot or leg braces, and custom-made shoes.
Foot and Ankle Care in Baton Rouge
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort as a result of flatfeet or have any questions or concerns regarding your feet or ankles, contact Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge to make an appointment. Regardless of the issue you may be experiencing, our foot and ankle specialists can have you, quite literally, back on your feet in no time.
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
Sometimes, joint replacement is the best course of action, even when conservative measures like medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes might be helpful. Knowing when a joint replacement is necessary can help you take prompt action and improve your quality of life.
