Flat feet (Pes Planus) is a condition marked by the presence of flat arches in the foot. While in and of itself not a problem that results in pain, flatfeet can lead to other issues that cause pain, discomfort and suboptimal gait issues. Flat feet is best described a condition of the body that predisposes the people who have it to other issues, little different from the way left-handedness predisposes have greater strength in their left hand.

In other words, flat feet is not considered be an aberrant condition; however, its presence can lead to certain problems.

What Flat feet is
Very simply put, flatfeet is a condition of the foot wherein the sole is flatter than is the case in “normal” feet. There is no pain associated with the condition of having a flat arch, and it is typically the result of difference in the way the feet developed during childhood. Sometimes, however, flat feet occur in pregnant and it can develop alongside the natural aging process.

Babies are born with flat feet, and arches develop over time as they learn to walk and need to depend on their feet for stability and shock absorption. But, not all babies grow out of the flatfeet they were born with; this is considered a natural variation of typical foot development, and does warrant concern, nor does it necessarily indicate that pain and other problems will follow.

Additionally, arches can “fall.” Feet take a lot of punishment in the normal course of their activities and sometimes this results in the wearing down of a tendon that supports the arch. When this tendon tears or is unstable, the arch can fall.

Those most at risk for this condition include those with diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury to the foot or ankle. And, as we discussed, age and pregnancy are also associated with the flatfeet.
That said, foot, ankle, knee, leg and hip pain and other issues associated with flatfeet can become quite serious, even though the condition itself is not painful or necessarily problematic. And serious problems with gait can occur that set into motion a sequence of changes in the body which can also result in problems down the road.

Diagnosis

Flatfeet is not difficult to diagnose; it is readily apparent and identifiable by the flatten arch on the sole of the foot. If you are not clear about whether your arches are flat, take a look at your shoes. The wear patterns on them will be different than those on the shoes of people who do not have flat arches. The wear on the shoe will show a pattern of inward collapse. This wear pattern, combined with any ankle or foot pain or swelling should be investigated by a medical professional.

Pain that is associated with flatfeet can be caused by bunions, ammertoes, shin splints, tendinitis in the ankle and foot or plantar fasciitis, which is a painful condition of the ligaments in the soles of the foot. Also, body alignment problems can follow from flatfeet, resulting in ankle, knee and hip pain.

A medical professional will typically conduct a visual exam of the foot and sole, both while sitting and standing. Looking at how you stand can tell the doctor a bit about how the effects of flatfeet might be experienced in other parts of your body.

In some, cases, X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans will be ordered so that doctors can get a look at the structure of the foot.

Flat Feet Treatment

Most people with flatfeet will never need to seek treatment, because the condition generally does not create problems. However, for those who do experience pain, swelling or discomfort from the condition, supports for flat feet are recommended. Flat feet insoles can be purchased over the counter at most drug stores. These insoles tend to solve many of the problems associated with the condition.

In some cases, doctors might recommend custom made arch supports, or orthotics. Orthotics are often more effective because they conform to the contours of your foot, rather than the general foot pattern, as is the case with insoles. Orthotics are designed to be movable from one pair of shoes to another, and so are convenient to wear, and come in levels: rigid, semirigid and soft. Your medical professional can provide guidance about which is appropriate for you.

Rest and light activity are often recommended, as giving the feet a period of time to recover is generally a good idea. For those who are experiencing pain, most over the counter pain relievers will be sufficient to alleviate the discomfort.

Many cases of pain related to flatfeet occur in people who are obese; in these cases, weight loss is recommended and may be required to achieve an end to the pain. Extra weight creates extra pressure on the structure of the foot as well as the tendons that support the arch.

The pain, discomfort and swelling associated with flatfeet will typically subside with proper treatment. Recovery is generally encouraged through the slow introduction of light activity along with non load bearing activity like swimming and cycling.

However in most cases of flatfeet, with proper treatment, the pain and discomfort should subside and regular activities can be resumed by starting with non-load bearing activities such as swimming and cycling. As the condition fully heals, activities like walking, running and so forth can be resumed slowly as well.

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