Specialized Care for Flat Feet and the Pain They Cause
Flat feet are one of the most common and most overlooked causes of foot, heel, knee, and lower back discomfort. Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle provides comprehensive flat foot evaluations and treatment plans, from custom orthotics to advanced surgical correction, helping patients find real relief and move comfortably again.
Custom orthotics and non-surgical options available
Same-week appointments when possible
Board-certified foot and ankle specialists
What Are Flat Feet and Why Do They Cause Problems?
Flat feet, also called fallen arches, occur when the arch of the foot collapses and the entire sole makes contact with the ground. It is a structural condition that affects how the entire lower body absorbs impact.
When the arch is absent or significantly reduced, the foot cannot properly distribute body weight during movement. This misalignment travels upward through the ankle, knee, hip, and lower back.
Many patients who seek care for chronic knee or back pain discover that flat feet are a contributing factor they were never aware of. A proper evaluation identifies the degree of the condition and what treatment approach fits the patient's specific structure and lifestyle.
Flat feet are not always painful on their own. But left unaddressed, the structural imbalance they create can affect the entire body over time.
Common Signs Associated With Flat Feet Include....
Little to no visible arch when standing
Foot, heel, or arch pain after standing or walking for extended periods
Feet that tire quickly during physical activity
Ankle swelling or instability
Knee, hip, or lower back pain with no clear cause
Shoes that wear unevenly on the inner sole
Difficulty standing on tiptoe
Meet Our Foot & Ankle Specialists
Dr. Derek Florek
Dr. Derek Florek is a skilled podiatric physician and surgeon with extensive experience in foot and ankle care, serving patients in the Central Valley through Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle. He is passionate about helping people move without pain while building strong, trusted relationships with his patients, with special interests in plantar fasciitis, trauma, foot and ankle deformities, and diabetic foot complications.
Podiatric Physician
Dr. Tyler May
Dr. Tyler May is a skilled podiatric physician and surgeon with extensive experience in foot and ankle care, serving patients at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle in the Central Valley. He is passionate about patient welfare and delivering high-quality outcomes, and is known for his broad podiatric knowledge and surgical experience.
Podiatric Physician
Dr. Blake Nelson
Dr. Blake Nelson is a skilled podiatric physician with extensive experience in foot and ankle care, serving patients at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle in the Central Valley. He is passionate about improving patient mobility and delivering high-quality podiatry care across multiple local clinic locations. Dr. Nelson is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) and is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Podiatric Physician
Maritza Rivera
Maritza Rivera, NP, is a skilled nurse practitioner with experience in patient care and clinical support, serving patients at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle in the Central Valley. She is passionate about helping patients feel heard, cared for, and confident in their treatment plan while supporting high-quality outcomes. As part of the Canyon Oaks team, she helps deliver compassionate, efficient foot and ankle care.
NP
Who This Consultation Is For
Our Flat foot care program is designed for...
Patients who have been told they have flat feet or fallen arches
Patients experiencing foot, heel, or arch discomfort during daily activities
Patients with chronic knee, hip, or lower back pain that has not responded to other treatment
Patients whose feet fatigue quickly during walking, standing, or exercise
Patients who notice uneven shoe wear or ankle instability
Patients who want to understand whether orthotics or other interventions would benefit their situation
Flat foot treatment ranges from simple supportive inserts to more involved interventions depending on the severity of the condition. Our specialists evaluate each patient individually to find the right fit.
Benefits of Consultation
What Patients Gain From a Flat Foot Consultation
A Structural Diagnosis, Not Just Symptom Management
Many patients have treated their knee or back pain for years without addressing the flat feet that may be contributing to it. Our evaluation looks at the full picture.
Custom Solutions, Not Generic Advice
Every flat foot is different in severity and impact. Our specialists build a treatment plan around the patient's specific structure, activity level, and goals.
Non-Surgical Options Explored First
The majority of flat foot cases respond well to conservative treatment. Surgery is only discussed when other options have been exhausted.
Long-Term Joint Protection
Addressing flat feet early can reduce the cumulative stress placed on the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back over time, protecting overall mobility as patients age.
Ready to get started?
Testimonials
It's always a great feeling when you are witness to people who really like what they're doing. The staff here was all smiles and very approachable. Of course Dr. Rupley is great! I look forward to m my visits. Today I met Joy, assistant to the doctor. Whoever chose her name couldn't have been more correct! She really is a joy!
Diane Kesty
Today was my first visit to Canyon Oaks and I was very happy with the service I received! Dr. Ripley did an excellent job taking care of my reoccurring foot issues and explained the reasons it keeps coming back. Everything about my experience was positive and I highly recommend this office to anyone needing podiatry care!
Amy Rose
Dr. Rupley is an excellent addition to Canyon Oaks. She brings much knowledge and experience. The staff is helpful and friendly. Treat them with respect and kindness, you will receive the same. I have my feet due to Dr. Rupley’s care throughout the years. Thank you It does help your case to follow the doctors advice and instructions. I had the misfortune of not following them and paid for it dearly, during an episode years ago.
David Mosebar
The staff is amazing. I definitely recommend this place to anyone in need. Dr. Nelson is hilarious. He did a great job removing my ingrown toenails and explained everything step by step. I had watched youtube videos on the procedure so I was a bit nervous upon arrival but I felt at ease within seconds of being under their care. They are fast, efficient, and again, super funny!
America Leyva
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during the first flat foot appointment?
Our specialist will examine the structure of the foot, evaluate how the arch behaves during standing and movement, and review the patient's symptoms and history. The visit ends with a clear diagnosis and a recommended treatment plan.
Are flat feet always painful?
Not always. Some patients with flat feet experience significant discomfort while others have minimal pain. However, even patients without pain can benefit from evaluation because the structural imbalance flat feet create can contribute to problems in the ankle, knee, hip, and lower back over time.
Can flat feet be corrected without surgery?
In the majority of cases, yes. Custom orthotics, supportive footwear, targeted exercises, and bracing are effective for most patients. Surgical correction is considered only when conservative approaches have not produced adequate relief and the condition is significantly affecting quality of life.
Are custom orthotics covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Our team verifies benefits prior to the appointment and helps patients understand what is covered under their specific plan.
How soon can an appointment be scheduled?
Our clinic offers convenient scheduling and strives to provide same-week appointments when available. Submit the form above and our team will reach out within one business day.
Flat Feet Are Common. Living With the Pain They Cause Doesn't Have to Be.
A flat foot consultation at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle gives patients a complete structural evaluation, a clear diagnosis, and a treatment plan built around their specific situation. Whether the answer is a custom orthotic, a targeted exercise plan, or something more involved, our team will help find the right path forward.
Schedule a consultation with Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle today.
© Copyright 2026 - Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle - All rights reserved.