Flat feet are a common cause of foot pain and debility, especially as we get older. Dr. Wenjay Sung, DPM, is skilled in assessing and treating flat feet in patients from Arcadia, CA, and the surrounding region, offering advanced solutions to relieve pain, stiffness and other associated symptoms.
Flat feet develop when the arches of the feet – the curved portions of the soles of the feet – lose that characteristic curve shape and no longer provide adequate support to the bones that make up the midfoot region. As the arches flatten, pain and other symptoms can occur. Some flat feet develop during childhood when the bones and other tissues of the feet don't develop as they normally should. Other times, people can develop flat feet as a result of significant weight gain, following an injury, or as part of the aging process, as the structures that support the arch become weaker and less flexible. People are also more at risk for developing flat feet.
Flat feet can make it difficult to find shoes that fit properly, and they can also affect the way a person walks. Most people with flat feet (especially those who develop flat feet in adulthood) experience significant pain and discomfort in the soles and sides of the feet as well as the heels. Pain can also extend into the ankles, knees, and even the lower back.
Several options are available to treat flat feet:
Custom orthotics can help provide support for the arch of the foot, relieving pain and reducing stress on the bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles in the arch portion of the foot.
Wearing shoes with ample arch support and avoiding shoes with little support, like ballet flats and sandals, can also help relieve pain.
Stretching exercises (sometimes using a special brace or splint to gently stretch the foot) can improve strength and flexibility while also helping to reduce inflammation.
Therapeutic exercises can improve gait mechanics and can be especially important in athletes where overuse and repetitive stress can exacerbate symptoms.
Cortisone shots to reduce pain and inflammation.
In very few cases, arch problems can cause damage to ligaments and other soft tissues that may require surgical intervention to correct.
We accept most major Health Plans. Please contact our office for details.
"He is an amazingly compassionate physician and one of the best young surgeons in our field. I would recommend him to patients and family members alike !!!!"
"Dr. Sung is FANTASTIC. Oh, and he is one of the few doctors who uses the new modern 3D measurement. Pretty cool. Highly recommending him!!!"
"Dr Sung is a One Of A Kind Doctor! He never rushes through an appointment, takes his time to explain things and does NOT rush into unnecessary and lengthy procedures."
"My heel pain was literally gone immediately after Dr. Sung treated me for my inflamed plantar fasciitis! I'm more than Satisfied."
"I have seen different doctors for orthotics/custom made inserts, Dr. Sung is one of the best. He is one of the few doctors who uses the new modern 3D measurement. "
"Dr. Sung is an outstanding podiatrist. He spent time explaining the procedure (bunionectomy) and he patiently answered all my questions."
"He made me quite comfortable, and the degree of care I received was second to none. I would give him 5 stars, but I think he deserves much more."
"He made me quite comfortable, and the degree of care I received was second to none. I would give him 5 stars, but I think he deserves much more."
"Dr. Sung is awesome! First time patient and he was friendly, knowledgeable, and practical in his recommendations for my heel spur. I would definitely recommend him!"
"Dr Sung was great! He took the time to explain my foot injury and then thoroughly discuss different treatments and the pros and cons of each. I would recommend!"
"He's a great doctor, you feel like a he's friend. Patient, explains everything, is very nice and just awesome all around. I highly recommend him to anyone!"
"I went to Dr. Sung for a second opinion on a foot fracture. He was very knowledgeable and professional, and I feel confident with his treatment plan."
"Dr. Jay was the most caring doctor I ever met. Dr. Jay was genuinely kind and made sure my treatment was painless as possible."
