Living with flat feet — also called fallen arches — can do more than affect how you stand. It can quietly reshape how you walk, how your knees and hips feel, and how much energy everyday activities take. If you’ve noticed foot pain, swelling along the inner arch, or discomfort that worsens with activity, your feet may be telling you something worth listening to. At Momentum Foot and Ankle in Boynton Beach, we help patients throughout Palm Beach County understand their condition and find lasting relief.
Dr. Christopher W. Zimmer, DPM is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon with advanced training in lower extremity reconstruction, deformity correction, and complex foot pathology. He completed his Trauma & Reconstruction Fellowship at Westside Regional Medical Center and his residency at Baylor Scott & White, where he evaluated and managed more than 300 pediatric foot and ankle patients alone.
Dr. Zimmer brings academic research, national presentations, and hands-on surgical experience to every patient encounter — whether that patient needs a custom orthotic or a reconstructive procedure. His approach is always honest, evidence-based, and patient-centered.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This can be present from childhood or develop gradually over time due to injury, aging, or prolonged stress on the foot’s structures.
There are two main types:
- Flexible flat feet — The arch appears when you’re sitting or standing on your toes, but disappears when weight is applied.
- Rigid flat feet — The arch is absent regardless of position and is often associated with underlying structural issues.
Common Symptoms
Flat feet don’t always cause pain, but when they do, symptoms may include:
- Aching or fatigue along the inner arch or heel
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Foot pain that worsens with activity or long periods of standing
- Knee, hip, or lower back pain related to altered gait mechanics
- Difficulty standing on your toes
- Uneven wear on the inside edge of your shoes
Causes & Risk Factors
Flat feet can develop for a variety of reasons. Common contributing factors include:
- Genetics and family history
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
- Injury or trauma to the foot or ankle
- Obesity or excess body weight
- Pregnancy-related joint laxity
- Diabetes or inflammatory arthritis
- Normal childhood development (many children outgrow flat feet)
Diagnosis
Dr. Zimmer performs a thorough evaluation that includes a physical exam, gait analysis, and a review of your symptoms and activity level. Imaging such as X-rays or MRI may be ordered to assess the degree of arch collapse and rule out tendon or joint involvement.
Treatment Options
Most patients respond well to conservative care. Treatment is always tailored to your individual needs and may include:
- Custom orthotics or arch-supportive footwear
- Physical therapy and targeted stretching
- Bracing or ankle-foot orthotics (AFO)
- Anti-inflammatory medications or injections
- Activity modification and weight management guidance
When conservative options have been exhausted and pain persists, surgical intervention may be considered. Dr. Zimmer specializes in reconstructive procedures for flat feet, including tendon repair, osteotomies, and fusion techniques — and will walk you through every option before any decision is made.
Why Choose Momentum Foot and Ankle?
At Momentum Foot and Ankle, we believe you deserve more than a diagnosis. You deserve a clear explanation, honest options, and a plan built around your life. Dr. Zimmer takes time with every patient — no rushed visits, no unnecessary procedures. From your first appointment through recovery, you’ll always know where you stand.
We proudly serve patients of all ages across Boynton Beach and Palm Beach County, accepting most major insurance plans.
Schedule Your Flat Feet Evaluation Today
Foot pain isn’t something you have to live with. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Zimmer and take the first step toward lasting relief. Call us at (561) 369-4455 — we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
