Flat feet, also referred to as fallen arches, are a condition defined by the partial or total collapse in the arch of the foot. This means that while standing, the entire foot comes in contact with the ground, appearing completely flat, instead of being partially raised. Flat feet are a complex disorder. While they are not a problem for most patients, some people may experience pain and discomfort that can interfere with daily life. Flat feet may also increase the risk of certain problems like abnormal gait, arthritis, bone spurs, and bunions. There are two general types of flat feet: flexible flat feet and rigid flat feet.

Flexible Flat Feet

This is the most common type of flat feet. From the word flexible, the arches of the feet only appear when the feet are lifted off the ground, while they disappear as the feet touch the ground when standing or walking. Another name for this type of flat foot is pediatric foot. This condition typically begins in childhood and persists into adulthood.

All babies are born with flat feet. At around age six, the feet normally become less flexible and arches develop. However, this is not the case for some children, and their feet remain flatter than average. Flexible flat feet are generally asymptomatic — they do not need treatment unless the child experiences pain or stiffness. Intense physical activities and certain genetic problems can result to flat feet pain. Many children with genetic birth disorders, such as Down Syndrome or Marfan Syndrome, have flat feet because the ligaments that support the arch of the foot are loose. They are prone to develop flat feet that are painful, and this may affect their ability to sustain good strength and core musculature.

As previously mentioned, flexible flat feet usually do not require medical intervention. A treatment is only needed when the child is having trouble standing or walking due to pain. Arch support for flat feet or braces can be used to assist the foot and alleviate the pain. To correct the foot’s condition and avoid possible complications in adulthood, arch supports are provided in children between ages 3 to 10 years.

Rigid Flat Feet

In rigid flat foot, the arch is never present. This condition is also called adult-acquired flat foot or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This type of flat foot develops because of the weakening of the posterior tibial tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the inner foot bones. The main purpose of this tendon is to provide stability and support for the arch as you walk. If your posterior tibial tendon becomes torn, stretched, or inflamed due to injury or overuse, you may develop a collapsed arch, ultimately resulting to flat foot. Because of this, you may experience pain and swelling along the inside of the foot and ankle. This pain increases with activity, making simple movements difficult and high-impact activities impossible to do. Rigid flat feet are common in women who are pregnant or over the age of 40. Athletes and adults with medical conditions like uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity are also at a higher risk.

Rigid flat feet are treated depending on how severe your symptoms are. If tendon damage is identified in its earliest stage, nonsurgical treatments, such as rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy, can help relieve the symptoms. Orthotics and braces can also be used to provide support for your tendon and arch. If your condition does not improve within six months of nonsurgical treatment, you may be referred to a foot and ankle surgeon. Surgery might be as simple as removing the inflamed tissue or repairing a simple tear.

Over at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center located in Houston, TX, and covering surrounding areas like Cypress and Katy, TX, Ejodamen Shobowale, DPM and her highly skilled staff provide personalized comprehensive care for all your podiatry and sports medicine needs. Whether the issue is foot-related like flat feet, or bunions or ingrown toenail or any foot issue involving pain in the heel, nerves, or joints, Dr. Sho, as she is fondly called, can get you back on your feet in no time.