SAN DIEGO, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Those with flat feet lack arch support, but if a person is not in pain, can walk and can wear shoes, treatment may not be required, says a U.S. expert.
If the foot becomes painful and/or it becomes difficult to wear shoes, some type of treatment is appropriate, according to Dr. Steven L. Haddad, an orthopedic surgeon with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Many patients do very well in an athletic-type shoe with an orthotic device, according to Haddad.
Conservative treatment is used almost exclusively with children, though some children with severe flat feet require surgical reconstruction to improve their quality of life.
Haddad presented finding at the 74th annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in San Diego.
