How are rigid flat feet treated?

If the rigid flat foot is painless and doesn't interfere with walking, no treatment is required. If the symptoms are not too severe, you can treat it with a combination of shoe inserts, including arch supports or custom-made orthoses (shoe inserts), along with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Make sure your shoes fit comfortably and aren't aggravating the pain. You may find applying ice to the area helpful when the pain flares up. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy, a walking cast, or a brace. More severe cases require surgery either to remove the bridge that has formed between the bones or to fuse them completely. Recovery from this surgery takes time -- anywhere from three to six months and sometimes longer.