Flat feet

What are flat feet?

Flat feet refer to feet that ‘roll inwards’ and have little or no visible arch when standing. They may also be referred to as fallen arches, dropped arches and over-pronating feet.

What causes flat feet?

Everybody is born with flat feet. By the time we reach adulthood we have developed arches and when we stand, pressure is distributed evenly through the heels, outside borders, balls, and toes of our feet. However, some people continue to have flat feet throughout their lives. Others may develop flat feet later in life as a result of weakened muscles due to ageing or heavy strain placed on their feet.

What are the signs & symptoms of flat feet?

It is common to experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms with flat feet -
  • Feet that ‘roll inwards’ when you stand causing ankles to turn out and knees to bend
  • Pain experienced in the inside borders of the feet
  • Pain and swelling in the arch area and at the heel (see Plantar fasciitis)
  • Pain and discomfort after periods of standing and walking
  • Pain in the ankles, knees or lower back
  • Development of callus and corns on the balls of the feet
  • Development of bunions and toe deformities
  • Osteoarthritis in joints of the feet
  • Difficulty in finding comfortable footwear

Treatment of flat feet

The most obvious treatment for flat feet is to attempt to correct the position of the feet by inserting arch supports into your footwear. Although these are widely available pharmacies, it is always advisable to consult a podiatrist for a professional assessment and treatment plan.

Good footwear is essential when treating flat feet. Shoes should be low heeled or flat with built in arch support and a fastening to stop the foot from slipping around inside the shoe. High heeled shoes should be avoided. Go to our Footwear guide for more information.

What can a Podiatrist do?

Podiatrists attribute flat feet to the misalignment of bones, muscles and tendons in your feet and legs. They will undertake a thorough history and examination and can offer many treatment options including -
  • Assess bone and tissue alignment in the feet and legs and prescribe corrective or accommodative insoles (see Biomechanics and orthotics)
  • Recommend stretching and strengthening exercises for the leg and foot muscles
  • Advise on footwear and foot health (see Footwear guide and Top tips for healthy feet)
  • Treatment of callus and corns
  • In extreme cases of flat feet, refer to a Podiatric or Orthopaedic surgeon (see Foot surgery)

Prevention of flat feet

It is not always possible to prevent the onset of flat feet, but steps can be taken to slow down the development and avoid secondary problems -
  • Wear good shoes with built in arch support. Avoid high-heeled shoes (see our Footwear guide)
  • Avoid placing too much strain through your feet eg. from standing for long periods, excessive weight gain
Regular exercise helps to keep the muscles and tendons of the feet and legs healthy and strong