Flat Feet
WHAT ARE FLAT FEET?
Flat feet (pes planus) are commonly known as fallen or collapsed arches. It’s a relatively common condition that can affect up to 30 percent of the population, causing symptoms in 1 in 10 of these people. Usually, both feet are affected, but it’s possible to have a fallen arch on only one foot. Flat feet can occur during childhood if the arches of the feet don’t develop, after an injury or from the wear and tear of ageing
IS IT NORMAL FOR CHILDREN TO HAVE FLAT FEET?
Most children aged 1-5 years old have flat feet. Babies are born with flat feet because during infancy some of the fat padding in their feet is located around their inner arch area. This is important because having flat feet increases the surface area of the foot in contact with the ground which creates more stability when they are learning to walk.
95% of children will develop an arch, meaning that 5% of children will continue to have flat feet with only a small percentage of that going on to have pain in adulthood.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
If you have flat feet, meaning you have little or no arch, you may experience foot pain or overpronation (inward rolling of the foot), some people with flat feet experience foot pain, particularly in the ankle, heel or arch area.
HOW DO WE TREAT FLAT FEET?
For painful flat feet, treatments include:
- Orthotics can help to relieve pressure on the arch and prevent any problems long term
- Stretching
- Structurally supportive shoe.
For help with flat feet, call us on 08 7120 6063 or book online with our experienced team at Leading Edge Podiatry.