What are flat feet?

Flat Feet is a common condition, also known as flatfoot, in which the arches on the inside of the feet flatten when pressure is put on them. When people with flatfeet stand up, the feet point outward and the entire soles of the feet fall and touch the floor. Flat feet can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood. It can also develop later in life after an injury or from the simple wear-and-tear stresses of age.

Flat Feet is usually painless. If you aren't having pain, no treatment is necessary. However, if flatfeet is causing you pain and limiting what you want to do then an evaluation from a specialist may be warranted.

What are the types of flat feet?

Flat feet can pose problems whether they persist after childhood or develop in adulthood. The types of flatfoot include:

1. Flexible: Flexible flat feet are the most common. You can see the arches in the feet when you aren’t standing. The arches disappear when you put weight on the feet. Flexible flatfoot comes on during childhood or the teen years. It affects both feet and gradually gets worse with age. Tendons and ligaments in the arches of the feet can stretch, tear and swell.
2. Rigid: A person with rigid flat feet has no arches when standing (putting weight on the feet) or sitting (no weight on the feet). This condition often develops during the teen years and gets worse with age. Your feet may feel painful. It can be difficult to flex the feet up or down or move them side-to-side. Flatfoot may affect one foot or both.
3. Adult-acquired (fallen arch): With an adult-acquired flat foot (fallen arch), the foot's arch unexpectedly drops or collapses. The fallen arch causes the foot to turn outward and can be painful. The problem may affect only one foot. The most common cause is inflammation or a tear in the leg tendon that supports the arch.
4. Vertical talus: Some babies have a birth defect (congenital disability) called vertical talus that prevents arches from forming. The talus bone in the ankle is in the wrong position. The bottom of the foot resembles the bottom of a rocking chair. Vertical talus is also called rocker-bottom foot.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Many people with flat feet don’t experience pain or other problems. But certain types of flatfoot can be painful. Symptoms may include:

1. Leg cramps.
2. Muscle pain (aching or fatigue) in the foot or leg.
3. Pain in the arch, ankle, heel or outside of the foot.
4. Pain when walking or changes in your gait (how you walk).
5. Toe drift (front part of the foot and toes point outward).

What causes flat feet?

Having flat feet may be in your genes. As a child ages, arches form in the feet. Some people have high arches while others have very low or nearly absent arches causing flat feet. Some people develop flat feet later in life. The condition sometimes runs in families and certain problems increase your risk of flat feet, including:

1. Aging
2. Being overweight, obese, or pregnant
3. Having a family history of flat feet
4. Sustaining a foot or ankle injury
5. Living with certain conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or cerebral palsy.

Tests for Flat Feet

Imaging tests that can be helpful in diagnosing the cause of foot pain may include:

1. X-rays. A simple X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and joints in the feet. It's particularly useful in evaluating alignment and detecting arthritis.
2. CT scan. This test takes X-rays of the foot from different angles and provides much more detail than a standard X-ray.
3. Ultrasound. Ultrasound may be used when a tendon injury is suspected. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues within the body.
4. MRI. Using radio waves and a strong magnet, MRIs provide excellent detail of both bone and soft tissues.

Lifestyle and home remedies for Flat Feet

If flatfeet causes you minor pain, you might want to try:

1. Rest. Avoid activities that aggravate the condition. Participate in low-impact activities such as walking, biking or swimming rather than jumping and running activities.
2. Medications. Pain relievers that are available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) might help.
3. Weight loss. Losing weight can reduce stress on the feet.
4. Arch supports (orthotic devices). Nonprescription arch supports can help relieve the pain caused by flatfeet. Sometimes custom-designed arch supports that are molded to the contours of the feet are recommended. Arch supports won't cure flatfeet but they often reduce symptoms.
5. Stretching exercises. Some people with flatfeet also have a shortened Achilles tendon. Exercises to stretch this tendon may help.
6. Physical therapy. Flatfeet may contribute to overuse injuries in some runners. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the feet and guidance to improve gait.
7. Supportive shoes. Similar to custom orthotics, supportive shoes can improve the alignment of your body, provide additional arch support, and provide better cushioning for your feet. We can make personalized recommendations for the best footwear based on the support you need.
8. Foot exercises. These special exercises focus on raising, lengthening, and strengthening your arches. A few common activities for fallen arches include heel stretches, arch lifts, and calf raises.

Surgical Treatments for Flat Feet

Surgery for flat feet is considered when conservative management strategies have failed to relieve your symptoms. The medical practitioner (podiatrist) will examine your feet and usually conduct an X-ray. Persistent pain, limited function, and a tendon rupture may all be reasons for surgical intervention. Usually, the doctor will either fuse bones together to prevent deformity and pain, perform an osteotomy (cutting and changing the orientation of the bone), or replace a ruptured tendon.

Can Flat Feet Be Cured Naturally?

Steps can be taken to reduce the symptoms experienced by people with flat feet by applying the methods discussed in this article. Strengthening and arch support won’t permanently fix the arch, but will certainly improve it to a point where the symptoms are easily manageable. Massage and use of medication might help you relieve pain, and you should seek advice from a medical professional if your pain persists. 

When to see a Healthcare Provider

If you have foot pain or your feet are causing problems with walking and running, see an orthopedic surgeon, podiatrist, or your regular healthcare provider. Diagnosing the problem requires a few tests. Your healthcare provider will look for an arch in your feet as you stand on your toes. If an arch exists, it may not be flat feet that’s causing your foot pain. Your healthcare provider will also look for flexion in your ankle. If you’re having difficulty flexing your foot or an arch doesn’t appear, your healthcare provider will order more tests such as a foot X-ray or a scan to examine the bones and tendons in your feet.

Our clinic offers a more convenient and accessible alternative to lengthy hospital waiting lists for patients who need assistance with their feet. Our expert professional podiatrist will recommend the best treatment options for you. You can contact us today or set an appointment online. You may reach us in Bethesda Maryland to schedule an appointment.

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