What is Flat Feet
Flat feet is a common condition in which one or both feet do not have an arch.
Normally, a foot has a curve, called an arch, on its inner side. The arch creates a gap between the foot and the ground.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- Failure of a normal arch to develop during childhood.
- An injury to tendons and ligaments in the foot, such as to the tendon that supports the arch (posterior tibial tendon).
- Loose tendons or ligaments in the foot.
- A wearing down of the arch over time.
- Injury to bones in the foot.
- An abnormality in the bones of the foot, called tarsal coalition. This happens when two or more bones in the foot are joined together (fused) before birth.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to develop in:
- Females.
- Adults age 40 or older.
- People
who:
- Have a family history of flat feet.
- Have a history of childhood flexible flatfoot.
- Are obese.
- Have diabetes.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Participate in high-impact sports.
- Have inflammatory arthritis.
- Have a history of broken (fractured) or dislocated bones in the foot.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Pain or tightness along the bottom of the foot.
- Foot pain that gets worse with activity.
- Swelling of the inner side of the foot.
- Swelling of the ankle.
- Pain on the outer side of the ankle.
- Changes in the way that you walk (gait).
- Pronation. This is when the foot and ankle lean inward when you are standing.
- Bony bumps on the top or inner side of the foot.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a physical exam of your foot and ankle. Your health care provider may also:
- Look at your shoes for patterns of wear on the soles.
- Order imaging tests, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
- Refer you to a health care provider who specializes in feet (podiatrist) or a physical therapist.
How is this treated?
This condition may be treated with:
- Stretching exercises or physical therapy. This helps to increase range of motion and relieve pain.
- A shoe insert (orthotic). This helps to support the arch of your foot. Orthotics can be purchased from a store or can be custom-made by your health care provider.
- Wearing shoes with appropriate arch support. This is especially important for athletes.
- Medicines. These may be prescribed to relieve pain.
- An ankle brace, boot, or cast. These may be used to relieve pressure on your foot. You may be given crutches if walking is painful.
- Surgery. This may be done to improve the alignment of your foot. This is only needed if your posterior tibial tendon is torn or if you have tarsal coalition.
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
- Do any exercises as told by your health care provider.
- If an activity causes pain, avoid it or try to find another activity that does not cause pain.
General instructions
- Wear orthotics and appropriate shoes as told by your health care provider.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Wear an ankle brace, boot, or cast as told by your health care provider.
- Use crutches as told by your health care provider.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
To prevent the condition from getting worse:
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes that are appropriate for your activities.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay active in a way that your health care provider recommends. This will help to keep your feet flexible and strong.
- Manage long-term (chronic) health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammatory arthritis.
- Work with a health care provider if you have concerns about your feet or shoes.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have pain in your foot or lower leg that gets worse or does not improve with medicine.
- You have pain or difficulty when walking.
- You have problems with your orthotics.
Summary
- Flat feet is a common condition in which one or both feet do not have a curve, called an arch, on the inner side.
- Your health care provider may recommend a shoe insert (orthotic) or shoes with the appropriate arch support.
- Other treatments may include stretching exercises or physical therapy, medicines to relieve pain, and wearing an ankle brace, boot, or cast.
- Surgery may be done if you have a tear in the tendon that supports your arch (posterior tibial tendon) or if two or more of your foot bones were joined together (fused) before birth (tarsal coalition).
