What is a Flat Foot?
Flat foot is a condition where the longitudinal arch or instep of the foot collapses and comes in contact with the ground. In infants and toddlers, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. In some individuals, the longitudinal arch never develops.
Some flat feet do not cause pain or other problems but many later develop painful bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs, and arthritic problems of their knees, hips and backs. Flat feet may be associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line.
Symptoms of a Flat Foot
Some common symptoms of a flat foot are:
- A flat look to one or both of your feet
- Uneven shoe wear and collapse of your shoe toward the inside of your flat foot
- Lower leg, knee, hip and back pain.
- Pain on the inside of your foot or ankle.
- Swelling along the inside of your foot or ankle.
What Causes a Flat Foot?
Painful flat feet in children may be caused by a condition called tarsal coalition. Tarsal coalition is a condition where two or more of the bones in the foot fuse together, limiting motion and often leading to a flat foot.
Flat feet can also be caused by fallen arches. Most flat feet are hereditary. Years of wear and tear can weaken the tendon that is responsible for shaping the arch. Fallen arches can also be caused by injury such as inflammation of the tendons in the foot.