Conditions We Treat in Clifton, NJ

Flat Feet Treatment in Clifton, NJ

Flat feet treatment in Clifton, NJ for children and adults, often starting with custom orthotics. Dr. Marc Haspel treats flat feet that cause tired, achy feet, heel pain or trouble keeping up with activities.

Patient standing on a lighted foot scanner while a clinician assesses arch height and flat feet

Thursday & Saturday Hours

Open until 6 pm Thursdays and 9 am–12 pm on alternate Saturdays

Understanding Flat Feet

What Are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, or fallen arches, means the arch on the inside of the foot is low or touches the ground when you stand. Many young children have flexible flat feet as part of normal development. In adults, flat feet can be lifelong or can develop over time.

Flat feet don’t always cause problems. When they do, they can lead to pain in the arch, heel, ankle or legs.

Woman sitting in a shoe store trying on new running shoes

Dr. Marc Haspel, DPM

Board-certified podiatric physician & surgeon

Know the Signs

Flat Feet: Symptoms & Causes

Understanding what you are feeling, and why, is the first step toward the right care.

Common Symptoms

  • Feet that tire or ache after standing or walking
  • Pain in the arch, heel or ankle
  • Swelling along the inside of the ankle
  • Uneven shoe wear
  • In children, avoiding sports or physical activities

Causes & Risk Factors

Common Causes

Flat feet are often inherited. In adults, they can also develop from a weakened tendon that supports the arch, an injury, arthritis or aging.

Risk Factors

  • Family history
  • Problems with the tendon that supports the arch
  • A previous foot or ankle injury
  • Arthritis
  • Excess body weight

When Should You See a Doctor?

Make an appointment if flat feet cause pain, tiredness or trouble with activities, or if one arch has recently dropped. Parents should schedule an exam if a child complains of foot pain or avoids physical activities. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.

Diagnosis

Dr. Haspel examines your feet standing and walking, checks flexibility and tendon strength, reviews your shoes and may use imaging to see the structure of the foot.

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment

Flat feet can often be treated with a custom foot orthotic, along with supportive shoes and stretching. Dr. Haspel’s custom orthotic devices are fabricated for each patient.

Surgical Treatment

When painful flat feet do not improve with conservative treatment, Dr. Haspel may discuss surgery, performed on an outpatient basis.

Ongoing Care & Prevention

Ongoing Care

Custom orthotics are often part of long-term care for flat feet. Children’s orthotics may need to be updated as they grow.

Tips for Healthy Feet

  • Wear supportive shoes with good arch support
  • Replace worn-out shoes
  • Stretch your calves regularly
  • Wear custom orthotics if they are prescribed

Next Steps

Schedule your visit

Call (973) 777-4650 or book online. Our Clifton office is open Monday to Friday from 9 am, Thursdays until 6 pm and alternate Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm.

Related pages

Your Visit

What to Expect

From your first appointment through follow-up care, here is how care for flat feet usually works at our Clifton, NJ office.

01

Consultation

Dr. Haspel examines your foot, reviews your symptoms and discusses your goals.

02

Treatment

Your plan may include custom orthotics, supportive shoes and stretching, or surgery when needed.

03

Follow-Up

Follow-up visits check how your orthotics are working and adjust your plan as needed.

Dr. Marc Haspel, DPM, holding a professional certificate in his Clifton office

Board Certified

Podiatric surgery & podiatric medicine

Your Podiatrist

Why Choose Marc Haspel, DPM for Flat Feet?

Dr. Marc Haspel treats children and adults for flat feet at our office in Clifton, NJ.

Dr. Marc Haspel is a board-certified podiatric physician and surgeon with more than 35 years of experience caring for patients throughout Northern New Jersey.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Feet

Answers to common questions about care for flat feet at our Clifton, NJ office. Have another question? Our staff is happy to help.

Are flat feet normal in children?

Many young children have flexible flat feet, and the arch often develops with age. An exam is a good idea if your child has foot pain, trips often or avoids activities.

Yes. Adults can develop flat feet over time, sometimes from a weakened tendon that supports the arch, an injury or arthritis.

Not everyone with flat feet needs treatment. If flat feet are causing pain, custom orthotics are often a first step.

Most people with flat feet do not need surgery. It is considered only when conservative treatment has not relieved the pain.

Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Medicare. Coverage varies by plan, so please call our office with questions about your benefits, referrals or pre-certification.

Call (973) 777-4650, use our online appointment request form or book with Dr. Haspel on Zocdoc. We’re open until 6 pm on Thursdays and from 9 am to 12 pm on alternate Saturdays.

More Ways We Can Help

Other Services at Our Clifton Office

Many foot and ankle problems overlap. These services are often part of the same care plan.

Custom orthotic devices, shoe therapy and braces to correct biomechanical problems and support walking.

Foot exams for children and teens with flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing, injuries and ingrown toenails.

Heel pain is the most common complaint Dr. Haspel treats. Care starts with a conservative plan built around custom orthotics.

Book Your Visit

Ready to Get Help With Flat Feet?

Schedule a visit with Dr. Haspel at our Clifton, NJ office. Call (973) 777-4650 or book online.

Foot care clinician examining a senior woman’s foot as she sits on the exam table and talks through her symptoms
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