Quick answer: Flat feet (fallen arches) are very common and often painless — but when they cause foot, heel, knee, or back pain, treatment helps. Most people do well with custom orthotics, supportive footwear, and targeted strengthening; severe or rigid flatfoot (often from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction) sometimes needs surgical reconstruction. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, we treat flat feet by severity — from inserts to advanced reconstruction. Call (810) 206-1402.
★ 4.9-star rated by Michigan patients on Google · Board-certified surgeons · Same-week appointments
Flat Feet Treatment in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Flat feet aren’t automatically a problem — many people have low arches and no symptoms. Treatment is about function and pain: if your flat feet are causing discomfort or are progressing, the right plan can relieve symptoms and prevent the deformity from worsening.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet (pes planus) means the arch is low or collapses when you stand. Some people are born with flexible flat feet; others develop “adult-acquired flatfoot,” most commonly from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) — a weakening of the main tendon that supports the arch, which is progressive if untreated.
Symptoms that warrant treatment
- Arch or heel pain, or aching along the inside of the ankle
- Fatigue or pain after standing/walking
- Rolling inward of the ankle (overpronation), uneven shoe wear
- Knee, hip, or low-back pain that traces back to poor foot alignment
- A visibly collapsing arch or a foot that’s getting flatter over time
Treatment by severity
Conservative care (most patients)
- Custom orthotics — the cornerstone: they support the arch, control overpronation, and offload strained tendons. (See custom orthotics.)
- Supportive footwear — stability/motion-control shoes with firm midsoles.
- Targeted strengthening & stretching — especially for the posterior tibial tendon and calf.
- Bracing for PTTD, and anti-inflammatory measures for flares.
When surgery is considered
For severe, rigid, or progressing flatfoot — or PTTD that fails conservative care — surgical reconstruction realigns the foot and restores the arch (tendon transfer, osteotomy, and/or fusion as indicated). Our fellowship-trained surgeons reserve this for cases that need it and tailor the procedure to your anatomy.
Why flat feet are worth addressing
Because the foot is your foundation, poor arch support can contribute to pain up the chain — knees, hips, and back. Adult-acquired flatfoot in particular tends to worsen, so early support often prevents a bigger problem later.
Why patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin are board-certified and rated 4.9 stars by Michigan patients on Google. We treat flat feet across the full spectrum — matching the least-invasive effective option to your severity — and we’re candid about when orthotics are enough.
Visit us — two Michigan offices
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Livingston County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Free on-site parking
Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield
43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Oakland County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Serving Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Troy & West Bloomfield
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Custom orthotics for flat feet
For most adults with flexible flat feet, a custom orthotic is the cornerstone of treatment. By supporting the collapsed arch and controlling overpronation, orthotics relieve the foot, ankle, knee and even back strain that flat feet cause — and they help prevent the secondary problems (plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, bunions) that flat feet tend to trigger over time. We cast or scan your feet at our Howell office for a precise fit.
Flat feet in children
Most kids have flexible flat feet that are painless and gradually improve as they grow — these usually need monitoring, not treatment. But a child who complains of foot or leg pain, tires easily, avoids activity, or has rigid flat feet should be evaluated. Early support with orthotics and the right shoes can make a real difference while the feet are still developing.
What to expect at your Howell visit
We start with a hands-on exam and gait analysis to see how your arches behave when you stand and walk, check the flexibility of the foot, and identify any tendon involvement. From there we match treatment to severity — from supportive footwear and custom orthotics for most patients to bracing or, rarely, reconstructive surgery for severe rigid flatfoot. You will leave understanding exactly what is happening and what will help.
Frequently asked questions
Can flat feet be corrected?
Flexible flat feet are managed rather than “cured” — custom orthotics and strengthening relieve symptoms and improve function. Severe or rigid flatfoot can be surgically reconstructed to restore alignment when needed.
Do I need surgery for flat feet?
Most people don’t. Surgery is reserved for severe, rigid, or progressing flatfoot (often advanced PTTD) that hasn’t responded to orthotics, bracing, and therapy.
Are flat feet genetic?
Often, yes — foot structure tends to run in families. Flat feet can also be acquired in adulthood, most commonly from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
What are the best shoes for flat feet?
Stability or motion-control shoes with a firm midsole and good arch support, ideally with room for an orthotic. We can recommend specifics for your foot.
Can flat feet cause knee or back pain?
They can contribute. Overpronation from flat feet alters alignment up the leg, which may add to knee, hip, or low-back pain — one reason supporting the arch can help more than the feet alone.
Does insurance cover flat feet treatment?
Evaluation and medically necessary treatment (including custom orthotics in many cases) are typically covered. We verify your benefits and explain costs up front.