Did you know that all babies are born with flat feet and most people develop arches between the ages of three and ten years old? Some people do not develop arches, however, and their feet remain flat, but this does not usually cause problems. Occasionally, those who have always had flat feet may experience pain around the lower leg or the ankle, and the inner side of the foot may feel uncomfortable. This is known as flexible flatfoot, and there is no abnormality in the structure of the foot so medical intervention is rarely required.
Adult acquired flatfoot, however, is a progressive flattening or collapse of the arch, and is most common in women over 40, although it can also affect men. It is often referred to as ‘fallen arches’ and is likely to cause pain along the inside of the foot and the ankle and can even be debilitating with age. It often occurs because of overuse or wear and tear on the posterior tibial tendon, leading it to stretch. This means that it cannot support the arch of the foot, and this can also be the result of inflammation or tearing of the tendon.
Who is Likely to Develop Flat Feet?
Some pre-existing conditions make it more likely that an individual will develop flat feet, including those who already have flexible flatfeet. Other conditions that are more likely to lead to flat feet or collapsed/fallen arches in adulthood include diabetes, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis, so you may be at greater risk if you have one of these conditions.
Flat feet can develop as a result of the stress caused by additional weight on the feet, and people who are obese are more likely to develop the condition. For the same reason, flat feet more commonly occur during pregnancy, because of the additional pressure on the feet at this time.
Flat Feet and Overpronation
Overpronation, when the feet roll inwards, is often associated with flat feet. Overpronation puts pressure on the feet and can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back, and finding the right support for your feet can make all the difference. If your feet tend to overpronate, you may find that some of the following suggestions help to re-align the feet and relieve pain.
How are Flat Feet Treated?
If your flat feet are not causing you pain or discomfort, you will generally not require treatment. However, if you are experiencing problems due to fallen arches or flat feet, you can work with one of our Foot Wellness Experts to find a solution that works for you. Our suggestions may include:
- Scans. We use observations and scans to find out more about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, as well as discussions about your lifestyle. These give us the information we need to make suggestions and recommendations for your feet and help us to identify the cause of the pain you are feeling.
- Rest and ice. If you are aware of the arches dropping or pain in this area of the feet, it can be helpful to rest the feet and use ice to reduce swelling initially. Rolling the foot over a frozen bottle of water can ease the pain and swelling, while sitting or lying with the feet raised higher than the heart can boost circulation and support healing.
- Custom-made orthotics. At Foot Solutions, we recommend custom-made orthotics to align the feet and support the arch in many cases of flat feet. These are small devices that are made to fit the unique shape of your feet and sit inside the shoe to provide cushioning and support. Custom-made orthotics are designed to redistribute the body weight throughout the feet and can be very effective in restoring balance.
- Physiotherapy support. You may find that you are offered specific physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the affected tendon and the muscles of the foot and ankle, and this can help to prevent pain in the foot.
- Supportive footwear. When you have flat feet, finding footwear that is supportive can help to re-align the feet and improve stability. Shoes that offer arch support and cushioning can spread the weight evenly through the feet, and our experienced team can help you to find the best footwear options for running, walking and everyday life.
- Anti-inflammatory medication. If you are experiencing a lot of pain in the feet, legs or lower back, you can talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medication or painkillers that may ease the pain and swelling in the short term. In more advanced cases, steroid injections are sometimes recommended to relieve the pain and inflammation in the feet.
- Surgery. In very rare cases, a doctor may advise on surgery to restore the shape of the foot where the arches have fallen. Surgical options include correcting foot deformities, reconstructing the arches and stabilising the joints, and the best option for each individual will depend on factors such as the medical history and whether there is any arthritis present.
Our Foot Wellness Experts understand that every person, and every foot, is different. We approach each person from an individual perspective and look for the best solutions for their own lifestyle and budget.
Can Flat Feet be Reversed or Prevented?
Flat feet cannot usually be corrected without surgical measures, and these are not an option for most people. If you have an arch that is visible when you are sitting or lying down but flattens when you stand, you may be able to strengthen the muscles with specific exercises, but if your foot has no arch when sitting or standing, you will not be able to correct this.
The measures we suggest can help to alleviate pain and discomfort, however, reducing pain and stabilising the foot can make a big difference in your day to day life.
Flat Feet Support at Foot Solutions
At Foot Solutions, we use a range of techniques to understand the way that your feet work, including 3D laser scanning and pressure mapping to create the best solution for you. Our approach is tailored to each individual, and this means we can find options that reduce foot pain and increase comfort more effectively than an ‘off the shelf’ solution.
We have an excellent range of high-quality, comfortable shoes that will offer you the support you need, whether you are walking, running or at work. Our Foot Wellness Experts offer services including gait analysis and custom-made orthotics, and we offer free foot assessments.
