Flat feet consists of an increase in the contact surface of the sole. Flat feet are often accompanied by heel spurs and a decrease in arch height. Normal flatfoot is loose, frequent, benign and a variant of normal. Pathological flatfoot is stiff, often disabling, and usually requires treatment.

 

What are the types of flatfoot?

Flat feet can create problems that persist after childhood or develop into adulthood. Types of flatfoot include:

• Flexible: Flexible flat feet are the most common. Flexible flat feet occurs during childhood or adolescence. It affects both legs and gradually gets worse with age. The tendons and ligaments in the arch on the inside of the feet can become stretched, torn and swollen.
• Rigid: A person with rigid flat feet does not have a curved part on the inside of the feet when standing or sitting. This condition often develops during adolescence and worsens with age. Your feet may hurt. It may be difficult to bend the legs up or down or move them from side to side. Flat feet can affect one or both feet.
• Adult-acquired: With adult-acquired flat feet, the convex part on the inside of the feet loses its convexity. The problem may affect only one leg. The most common cause is inflammation or a tear in the foot tendon (hamstring tendon) that supports the arch.
• Clubfoot: Some babies have a birth defect called clubfoot that prevents the arch on the inside of the foot from forming. The ankle bone is in the wrong position.

 

Symptoms

Most people have no symptoms associated with flat feet. But some people with flat feet experience foot pain, particularly in the heel area. The pain may worsen with activity. Swelling may occur along the inside of the ankle.

 

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you or your child has leg pain, especially if it limits your daily activities.

 

What questions should I ask my doctor?

You may want to ask the doctor:

• What caused my flat feet?
• What is the best treatment for my flat feet?
• Am I at risk for other problems?
• Should I watch for signs of complications?

 

Causes

Flat feet is not uncommon in infants and toddlers because the foot is not yet developed. Most people’s arches develop during childhood, but some people never develop arches. People without arches can have problems.

Some children have flexible flat feet, in which the arch is visible when the child sits or stands on tiptoes, but disappears when the child stands. Most children outgrow flexible flat feet without problems.

People without flat feet can also develop the condition. Arches can collapse suddenly after injury. Or the breakdown can occur after years of wear and tear. Over time, the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle and helps support the arch can weaken. As the severity increases, arthritis may develop in the foot.

 

Risk factors

Factors that can increase the risk of clubfoot include:

• Foot or ankle injury
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Age
• Diabetes

 

Treatments for flat feet

If flat feet is causing problems and you need treatment, a doctor may refer you to an orthopedic specialist. An orthopedist can offer advice on:

• what shoes to wear (wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel are usually best)
• shoe soles to support your feet
• leg stretches and exercises
• painkillers

These won’t change the shape of your feet, but they can help with things like pain or stiffness.

 

How can I prevent flat feet?

Often, there is nothing you can do to prevent flat feet. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce pain from flat feet.

 

What is the prognosis for people with flat feet?

Most people with flat feet get relief from their symptoms with non-surgical treatments. Some people do not need any treatment. Flat feet can increase the risk of certain problems such as:

• Arthritis.
• Callus.
• Lower back pain, hip pain or knee pain.
• Shin splints.