
Understanding Flat Feet: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
People with flat feet have very little or no arch, which can withstand a person’s weight. If you have flat feet (or know someone who does), read on for some important information about how it may affect your life – from what causes it to how we treat it!
What are Flat Feet?
Flat feet is a common foot condition that affects many people. It is where the foot arch is lowered and flattened. It happens because the muscles that support your arches weaken over time, or through injury or when the arches are not fully developed during childhood. Pes planus can lead to pain in the ankles, knees, hips and back.
Most people do not experience any symptoms, yet others may experience some, which generally depends on the severity of the condition.
Symptoms Of Flat Feet
Suppose you have a diagnosis of flat feet. In that case, the most recognisable symptoms and characteristics are the decreased or lack of arches in your feet (especially when weight-bearing) and pain along the inner side of your feet and arches.
- Swelling in the bottom of your feet
- Difficulty in standing
- Toe drift
- Ache in the back, heel, arches or outside of your foot
- Leg cramps or fatigue
- Pain when walking
- Feet fatigue
Causes Of Flat Feet
Flat feet are a condition that is related to the bones and tissue in your feet and the lower parts of your body. Flat feet are typical among infants and toddlers because the tendons and bone tissues haven’t matured yet to form an arch but they can sometimes be painful in older children who genetically have a true flat foot.
- Heredity – some genes are related to having flat feet from parents that can pass to their children.
- Weak arches – Arches can wear down over time. Over time, this could lead to weakening the tendon inside of your ankle, which supports your arch.
- Tight Achilles tendon -is a condition that can contribute to the development of flat feet.
- Foot or ankle injury Repetitive overuse injuries can cause long term damage to the parts of your feet.
- Health conditions and nerve problems (arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) – certain health conditions related to the lower part of your body may cause flat feet.
- Ruptured bones
- A torn tendon or damaged posterior/anterior tibial tendon (PTT)/peroneral muscles/restricted ankle joint /abnormalities in the bones.
- Aging
Call us at South Perth Podiatrist to find out the right treatment for flat feet.
Possible Treatment
If you are not currently experiencing any pain or significant abnormalities with your feet, it may be unnecessary to worry about treatments. However, suppose you are concerned about discomfort. In that case, seeking medical advice is a smart decision.
Non-surgical Treatments
Custom corrective orthotics – wearing podiatrist recommended footwear, and custom prescription functional orthotics with a thorough evaluation of the root mechanism is the gold standard for this condition. It provides stability that will correct or support you while walking.
What are the Risk & limitations due to Flat Feet in day to day life?
Risk factors for flat feet often include back and heel pain, as well as quickly tired feet. You can feel sudden fatigue in your legs because of the imbalanced weight on your foot. Having flat feet may affect your walking because of poor balance, difficulty walking long distances, risk of injury when participating in activities that require standing, walking, and a higher chance of developing osteoarthritis.
Why Choose Stephen Zucal South Perth Podiatrist for Flat Feet treatment?
Our podiatrist will provide proper diagnosis and prescribe treatment for flat feet through performing an x-ray or CT scan, inspecting your feet as well as conducting a clinical examination to determine the type of flatfoot deformity and the causes of your symptoms. Our specialists have expertise in treating foot pain, ankle pain, bunions, flat feet, etc., promoting quality care at South Perth Podiatrist.

FAQs
FAQ's About Flat Feet
Will flat feet prevent you from being an active, healthy person?
If you have flat feet, you’re at risk for a variety of foot-related complications. Walking with flat feet causes pain in your knees, hips, and back because it changes how you walk. It can also make maintaining a healthy lifestyle more difficult.
Are you born with flat feet?
We are born having flat feet because our bone tissues or joints are not yet fully developed, and by the age of 6, your arch will be formed. But if the arch is still not formed, the risk of developing flat feet is more likely high.
What shoes are best for flat feet?
By visiting a South Perth podiatrist, you can get professional advice on precisely what type of shoe you need based on an assessment diagnosis and information gathered about any accompanying foot pain.
What treatments are available if flat feet are causing pain and holding you back?
If flat feet are causing severe pain, wearing custom orthotics will be recommended by your podiatrist.
What are the disadvantages of flat feet?
If you have flat feet, you’re at risk for a variety of foot-related complications. Walking with flat feet causes pain in your knees, hips, and back because it changes the way you walk. It can also make maintaining a healthy lifestyle more difficult.