What are Flat Feet?

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet are a common and usually painless condition of the foot structure. Flat feet can occur when arches aren't fully developed during childhood or from the arch falling because of aging.

Are there symptoms for Flat Feet?

Many people with flat feet do not experience any symptoms. However, some can have painful foot pain in the heel or arch area, known as tibialis posterior tendonitis or adult-acquired flatfoot. This condition arises when the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn. Left untreated, it may lead to severe disability and chronic pain. People are predisposed to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they have flat feet or an abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot. Pronation is also common in flat feet, which causes the ankle bones to lean inward toward the center line.

What is the treatment for Flat Feet?

Treatment options:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, icing, physical therapy, supportive taping, bracing, and orthotics can be prescribed.
• In some cases, surgery repairing a torn or damaged tendon to restore normal function. 
• In the most severe cases, surgery on the midfoot bones to treat the associated flatfoot condition.

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