Having flat feet, also known as flatfoot, is a condition where one or both feet have little to no arch. When you stand, the pads of the feet press into the ground. Typically, you can’t see an arch in the foot, though sometimes the arch appears when you lift the foot.
All babies have flat feet at birth. Arches typically form by age 6. About two out of 10 children still have flat feet as adults. Some adults have arches that collapse. This condition, fallen arches, is another term for flatfoot.
Flat feet aren’t a problem for most people. If flat feet cause pain or other problems, treatments can help.
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:
Muscle pain (aching or fatigue) in the foot or leg.
Pain in the arch, ankle, heel or outside of the foot.
Pain when walking or changes in your gait (how you walk).
Toe drift (front part of the foot and toes point outward).
How are flat feet managed or treated?
Many people with flat feet don’t have significant problems or need treatment. Your healthcare provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments if you experience foot pain, stiffness or other issues. Rarely, people need surgery to fix rigid flat feet or problems with bones or tendons.
Physical therapies to stretch and strengthen tight tendons and muscles, improving flexibility and mobility.
Supportive devices like foot orthotics, foot or leg braces and custom-made shoes.
How are flat feet diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis by assessing symptoms and evaluating how your arches look when you stand, sit and walk. You may get X-rays to look at bone structure.
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