Topics
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Understanding Flat Feet and Diagnostics
The HyProCure® Procedure (Stent)
Flat Feet FAQ
Before and After Photos, Videos and Testimonials
Schedule Your Appointment or Virtual Consultation
Relief for Fallen Arches, Foot Pain, and Misalignment
Flat feet, or fallen arches, can affect your posture, gait, and overall foot health. At Feet for Life Podiatry Centers, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all forms of flatfoot conditions with advanced diagnostic tools and personalized care plans designed to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Understanding Flat Feet
How Do Flat Feet Develop?
Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to rest flat on the ground. Types of flat feet include:
- Flexible flatfoot, common in children and often resolving naturally
- Rigid flatfoot, which may cause pain and biomechanical problems
- Adult-acquired flatfoot, a progressive condition often caused by tendon degeneration
Research shows that flexible flatfeet can reduce balance, functional movement, and core muscle endurance, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Flat Feet in Children
Flat feet are common in children and usually develop into normal arches as the muscles strengthen—especially when children spend time barefoot on varied surfaces. Early use of supportive footwear or orthotics can sometimes inhibit natural arch development.
Most pediatric flat feet are asymptomatic and do not require treatment unless pain or gait abnormalities develop. Studies show that flatfoot prevalence in school-aged children (7 to 14 years) is around 17%, with rates decreasing as children grow. (See more: PubMed)
Adult-Acquired Flatfoot: Causes and Progression
Adult-acquired flatfoot is a progressive condition caused primarily by weakening or tearing of the posterior tibial tendon, a key structure supporting the foot’s arch. It typically affects one foot and is more common in middle-aged to older adults, particularly women.
Factors increasing risk include:
- Pre-existing flat feet
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Age-related degeneration and reduced blood supply to tendons
Stages of Adult-Acquired Flatfoot
Adult-acquired flatfoot (AAFD), also known as progressive collapsing foot deformity, is classified into four stages, with each stage representing a progression in the severity and impact of the condition. The stages are primarily defined by the flexibility of the foot, the presence of deformity, and the involvement of the ankle joint.
Stage I: Inflammation and swelling of the posterior tibial tendon
Stage II: Visible flattening of the arch; still flexible
Stage III: Rigid, non-correctable deformity with increased pain
Flat Foot Diagnosis
Our podiatrists use clinical evaluation to assess:
- Foot posture and gait
- Muscle strength
- Single-foot heel raise test
- X-rays to evaluate bone alignment and deformity
Flatfoot Illustration
Did you know?
Babies are born with flat feet, and the arch develops as they grow and start walking. This is a normal part of development, and most children will develop arches by the time they reach school age, though some may continue to have flat feet into adulthood without any issues.
Feet for Life Advanced Solutions to Flat Feet
The HyProCure® Procedure
When conservative treatments aren’t enough, HyProCure® offers a breakthrough, minimally invasive solution. This stent is placed into a naturally occurring space in the foot to correct misalignment at its root, restoring arch function and reducing pain. Clinical Highlight: A study of 69 pediatric patients showed significant improvement in pain and function after HyProCure®, with results maintained over a 36-month follow-up. The procedure is reversible and boasts a low complication rate.
Clinical Highlight: A study of 69 pediatric patients showed significant improvement in pain and function after HyProCure®, with results maintained over a 36-month follow-up. The procedure is reversible and boasts a low complication rate.
- Same-day outpatient procedure
- No external hardware
- Fast recovery time
- Long-lasting pain relief
Ask our specialists if HyProCure® is right for you.
What is HyProCure?
HyProCure is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to correct foot misalignment caused by overpronation— a condition where the ankle rolls too far inward. This misalignment can contribute to chronic pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.
The procedure involves placing a small titanium stent into the sinus tarsi, a naturally occurring space in the foot, to stabilize the ankle and restore proper alignment. HyProCure is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Most experience significant relief and improved mobility with minimal downtime.
HyProCure in St. Louis with Dr. Horwitz
If you’re looking for HyProCure treatment in St. Louis, Dr. Horwitz of Feet for Life Podiatry Centers is a nationally respected leader in this advanced procedure.
Dr. Horwitz was one of the first physicians in the country to perform HyProCure following its FDA clearance in 2004. With over three decades of surgical experience, he has remained at the forefront of minimally invasive foot correction.
Dr. Horwitz is:
- Certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
- A Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- A Master Surgeon and Former Instructor with GraMedica International, the creators of HyProCure
- Former Co-Director of the SSM DePaul Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program
Patients from across St. Louis and the Midwest travel to see Dr. Horwitz for his proven track record in treating flat feet and restoring long-term foot function through HyProCure.
Alternative Non-Surgical Approaches
- Custom orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle/activity modifications
- Anti-inflammatory treatments
Why Choose Feet for Life?
Our team combines deep clinical experience with the latest diagnostic technology. Whether you’re seeking custom orthotics or minimally invasive correction, our St. Louis-based podiatrists provide solutions tailored to your unique needs. We also offer virtual consultations for out-of-town patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Feet
This FAQ about flat feet is designed to address common questions like: symptoms, causes, how flat feet are graded, and more facility specific questions.
Arch collapse may be genetic or caused by injury, age, or tendon degeneration (especially the posterior tibial tendon).
Many people have no symptoms, but pain or fatigue can arise when tendons and ligaments weaken.
Yes. Most flexible flat feet in children resolve as they grow, especially with barefoot play.
It’s progressive, usually painful, and stems from posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.
Flat feet, also known as pes planus, are graded based on the severity of the arch collapse and the presence of other associated foot deformities. Generally, flat feet are classified as flexible or rigid, with further distinctions based on the stage of the condition.
Through physical examination, strength testing, and imaging (like X-rays).
Non-surgical methods like orthotics and physical therapy are first-line. HyProCure® and other procedures are considered when needed.
While some cases are genetic, maintaining healthy habits can help reduce risk.
If you have pain, changes in your gait, or worsening symptoms, seek expert care.
Typically not. Most flat foot treatments—especially surgical or minimally invasive options like HyProCure®—are considered elective and are not yet covered by insurance. Some conservative treatments, like orthotics, may be partially covered depending on your plan.
Yes. We actually encourage you to get a virtual consultation prior to travelling. Please use this page to schedule yourself with Dr. H.
Testimonials, Videos, Photos
What Our Patients Are Saying
Before & After Photos
Flatfoot patient
I brought my daughter into the office to see Dr. Horwitz because she had flat feet and her ankles turned in, she had pain in her knees and hips. He did a hypocure procedure and put an implant into both feet. She now has no pain in her hips or knees and walks without her ankles turned in. She feels so much better and can do all activities without pain.
