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Definition
You have flatfeet when the arch on the inside of your feet is flattened, allowing your entire foot to touch the floor when you stand up.
A common and usually painless condition, flatfeet may occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. In other cases, flatfeet may be caused by an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.
Flatfeet can sometimes cause problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can force your ankles to turn inward and this throws off the alignment of your legs. If you aren't experiencing any pain, no treatment is usually necessary for flatfeet.
Symptoms
Although many people have no signs or symptoms associated with flatfeet, some people experience:
- Foot pain, particularly in the heel or arch area
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
When to see a doctor
Talk to your doctor if you or your child is experiencing foot pain.
Causes
A flat foot is normal in infants and toddlers, because the foot's arch hasn't yet developed. Most people's arches develop throughout childhood, but some people never develop arches. This is a normal variation in foot type, and people without arches may or may not have problems.
Arches can also fall over time. Years of wear and tear can weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of your ankle, from above your ankle to your arch.
Risk factors
Factors that can increase your risk of flatfeet include:
- Obesity
- Traumatic injury to your foot or ankle
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Aging
Preparing for your appointment
If your feet are causing you significant pain, your family doctor may refer you to a doctor specializing in foot disorders (podiatrist), sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
What you can do
When you go to your appointment, wear your everyday shoes because the doctor may want to look at the wear patterns on the soles.
You may also want to prepare a list answering the following questions:
- When did you first notice any problems with your feet?
- Where exactly does it hurt?
- Does anything make the symptoms better or worse?
- What other medical problems, if any, do you have?
- Have you ever injured your foot or ankle?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor will consider your medical history and examine your feet. As part of the examination, your doctor will observe your feet from the front and the back and ask you to stand on your toes so he or she can view the mechanics of your feet. He or she may also want to look at the wear pattern on your shoes.
Tests and diagnosis
Flatfeet usually can be diagnosed after the physical exam, but your doctor may want X-rays of your feet to help determine the cause of the problem.
Treatments and drugs
No treatment is necessary for flatfeet if you aren't experiencing any pain.
Therapy
- Shoe inserts (orthotic devices). Over-the-counter arch supports may help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Or your doctor might suggest custom-designed arch supports, which are molded to the contours of your feet. Shoe inserts won't cure flatfeet, but they often reduce the symptoms associated with the disorder.
- Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help.
Surgery
If you are experiencing disabling pain from a severe posterior tibial tear, you may need tendon surgery.
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Rest. Your doctor may recommend rest and avoiding activities that may aggravate your condition until your feet feel better.
- Medications. Your doctor may suggest you take over-the-counter pain relievers until the pain subsides.
- Weight loss. If you're overweight, losing weight may help.
Last Updated: 2010-04-09
