3 Important Reasons People With Flat Feet Should Get Professional Treatment

You’ve noticed your shoes wear unevenly. Your feet ache after a day of errands—and generic, over-the-counter arch supports don’t make them feel better. Your knees feel stiff when climbing stairs. These aren't random annoyances—they're signals your flat feet are creating problems that ripple through your entire body. At Indy Podiatry, our board-certified foot doctors help people understand what's really happening and why professional care makes a lasting difference. 

What Causes Flat Feet?

When the arch of the foot collapses, the entire sole comes into contact with the ground. Several factors contribute to this condition:

• Genetics. Many people inherit flat feet with arches that never fully develop during childhood.
• Weakened posterior tibial tendon. This tendon supports the arch, and when it becomes damaged or inflamed, the arch gradually falls.
• Injury or trauma. Fractures, sprains, or repetitive stress can compromise the structures that maintain the arch.
• Age and wear. Years of standing, walking, and physical activity naturally weaken tendons and ligaments over time.
• Medical conditions. Arthritis, diabetes, and obesity increase the risk of developing flat feet or worsening existing symptoms.

Understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment—and that's when professional podiatry care becomes essential. Here are three critical reasons people with flat feet should schedule a consultation with us to learn more. 

#1: Flat Feet Create a Cascade of Pain in Your Body

When your arches collapse, your feet roll inward with every step—a movement called overpronation. That misalignment doesn't stop at your ankles. It travels up through your knees, hips, and lower back, forcing these joints to compensate for instability below.

Our Indianapolis foot doctors regularly treat patients who've spent months addressing knee or back pain without realizing their flat feet are the source. We identify the biomechanical problem and break the pain cycle at its origin through:

• Gait analysis. Advanced evaluation reveals exactly how your flat feet affect your walking pattern and where stress concentrates.
• Custom orthotics. Instead of using generic store-bought insoles, our medical-grade devices— designed specifically for your foot structure—provide the arch support your body needs.
• Targeted treatment plans. Combining physical therapy exercises, footwear recommendations, and orthotics corrects alignment and reduces pain throughout your body.

#2: Untreated Flat Feet Increase Your Risk of Serious Injuries

Flat feet destabilize your foundation. Without proper arch support, your feet, ankles, and legs work harder to maintain balance and absorb shock. Over time, this extra stress makes you vulnerable to injuries that could sideline you for months. Our foot and ankle pain specialists at Indy Podiatry help you avoid common injuries linked to untreated flat feet, such as: 

• Plantar fasciitis. The thick band of tissue running along the sole of your foot becomes inflamed, causing sharp heel pain that worsens with activity.
• Achilles tendinitis. Overpronation strains the Achilles tendon, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Stress fractures. Abnormal weight distribution places excessive pressure on specific bones, increasing fracture risk.
• Ankle sprains. Instability from flat feet increases the likelihood of rolling or twisting your ankle during everyday activities.

#3: Professional Care Prevents Long-Term Complications That Affect Quality of Life

Ignoring flat feet doesn't just mean tolerating discomfort—it can lead to permanent structural changes and chronic conditions that limit what you can do. For example, arthritis develops more rapidly in misaligned joints. Tendons and ligaments stretch beyond repair. Simple activities such as walking through a grocery store or playing with your kids become painful ordeals.

Our Indianapolis foot doctors focus on preserving long-term function, not just managing short-term symptoms. After a comprehensive examination, we create detailed treatment plans that address current issues while preventing future deterioration. Your personalized protocol may include: 

• Remy Laser Therapy. In some cases, we may recommend this advanced laser treatment to help promote tissue repair.
• Progressive strengthening exercises. Targeted movements rebuild the muscles that support your arches and improve overall foot stability.
• Footwear guidance. Recommendations on shoes that provide proper support and reduce strain on vulnerable structures.
• Monitoring and adjustments. Regular follow-ups ensure your treatment evolves with your needs, maximizing long-term results.
• Surgical options—but only when necessary. For severe cases, procedures such as tendon repair or bone realignment restore function when conservative treatments aren't enough.

Why Do I Need an Indianapolis Foot Doctor? Won’t Flat Feet Eventually Fix Themselves?

Unfortunately, no—and the problems mentioned above only intensify with time. Pain spreads. Injuries multiply. Activities you love become difficult or impossible. You don't deserve to go through all that. At Indy Podiatry, we’re ready to step in right now with high-quality expert care before complications from flat feet worsen. Early intervention means you’re in control of your independence and mobility, helping you stay active in all aspects of life.