Flat feet
Flat feet, characterized by abnormally flat arches, can be congenital or acquired. Congenital flat feet are often hereditary, while acquired flat feet may stem from factors such as stretching of the arch ligaments, muscle weakness, or injuries. Individuals of all ages, including infants, may exhibit flat feet; infants typically appear flat-footed due to a fat pad under the instep, with arch formation developing as they begin walking. Most flat feet are painless and do not hinder walking or posture. However, some cases can lead to discomfort, especially in adolescents and adults, when flat feet result in fallen arches or other painful conditions related to overstretched ligaments. Treatment options vary; flexible, pain-free flat feet usually require no intervention, while painful cases may benefit from rest, foot exercises, or orthotic support. In more severe situations, surgery may be necessary to correct structural issues. Understanding flat feet can provide insights into foot health and the importance of proper support and care.
Subject Terms
Flat feet
Also known as: Pes planus, talipes planus
Anatomy or system affected: Feet, ligaments, muscles, musculoskeletal system
Definition: A congenital or acquired flatness of the longitudinal arch of the foot.
Causes: Congenital weakness of muscles in arches, changes in shape of foot bones, short Achilles tendon, injury
Symptoms: Delays in learning how to walk, pain, clumsiness in walking
Duration: Typically short-term
Treatments: Depends on severity; ranges from orthopedic shoes with arch supports, foot exercises, and rest, to casts or surgery
Causes and Symptoms
Congenital flat feet are considered to be hereditary. Acquired flat feet can be caused by stretching of the arch ligaments and a weakness of the muscles found in the arches; this produces flexible flat feet. Rigid flat feet are caused by changes in the shape of the foot bones or a short Achilles tendon. Other causes of flat feet include injury and a lack of muscle tone or weak foot muscles that cannot sustain the body’s weight.
All infants appear to be flat-footed because of a pad of fat under each instep. Arch formation in the feet takes place once they begin walking. Flat feet are often detected by parents when an infant experiences delays in learning how to walk.
Flat feet usually are painless and do not contribute to changes in posture or the ability to walk. Adolescents and adults are occasionally prone to fallen arches, or temporary foot strain caused by an activity that overstretches the ligaments in the arch; this condition is accompanied by pain. Rigid flat feet caused by a short Achilles tendon and spastic flat feet caused by a deformity of the heel result in pain and clumsiness in walking.
Treatment and Therapy
Flexible, pain-free flat feet require no treatment. Special orthopedic shoes with arch supports do not change the shape of the feet over time, while foot exercises and prescribed changes in gait are hard to enforce in children.
In cases of fallen arches accompanied by fatigue or pain, rest, foot exercises, and the use of arch supports are recommended. If the Achilles tendon is too short or tight, it can be stretched by placing the foot in a cast. Severe cases of flat feet require surgery that removes excess bone or reconstructs the soft tissue of the foot.
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