Flat Foot is where the arch of your foot is collapsed, this is also known as a pes planus foot type. It is common in children as they may still be developing their arches. Flat foot can also be broadly characterised by flexible and rigid flat foot deformity. Not all flat feet are problematic or considered pathological.
The arch can also drop when you are older due to weakening of tendons.
Factors that may cause flat foot include:
An injury to your foot and/or ankle
Rheumatoid arthritis
Genetics
Hypermobility
Obesity
Failure of tendons that support the arch
Tightness of calves
Flat feet can have adverse effects on the body, the issue may cause pain in your feet, ankle, legs, back, knees and hip.
It’s important to arrange an appointment with a specialist who can assess and provide you with a treatment plan.
Treatment may include:
Physiotherapy and Stretching
Your specialist may advise on stretching exercises that can help correct the fallen arch and decrease pain.
Custom Orthotics
Following a gait analysis, your specialist may suggest custom orthotics that can support your arch. The gait analysis will also assess issues that may be causing pain to your musculoskeletal system, such as calf pain and back pain, the orthotics can for example include a heel raise that can reduce the strain to your calf which may be caused by your flat foot issue.
In more severe cases of flat feet your specialist may instead advise on a brace.
Surgical Management
If symptoms persist then your specialist may advise on surgery. Please click here to find out more.
