Definition: medical condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground

Medical terminology: pes planus or pes planovalgus

 

FlatFoot940

Flat feet or fallen arches is a condition when the foot does not have a normal arch when standing. When all body weight is placed on the feet, there is little to no space between the arch and the ground.

What are the signs and symptoms of flat feet?

Many people who have flat feet do not experience foot pain or other problems. Having flat feet does not mean you will experience foot pain but you may be more susceptible to certain foot pain and foot disorders.

Symptoms include:

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  • Achy or tired feet
  • Pain in the arch, heel or ankle
  • ankle instability
  • shin splints (pain in front of leg)
  • calluses and/or corns
  • pain in knee, hip or lower back

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Common problems associated with flat feet or fallen arches are:

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  • heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
  • tendonitis
  • arthritis of the foot and ankle
  • posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD)

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What are treatments for flat feet?

If you experience foot pain or other foot symptoms associated with flat feet, there are many conservative treatments available. David Allison, The Foot Guy, can provide custom designed medical devices that can help reduce foot pain or other symptoms associated with flat feet. David also offers different treatments that may alleviate foot pain.

If conservative treatments fail to reduce symptoms, surgery may be necessary.