About this topic
A flat foot is one that does not have a normal arch in the bottom part when you stand up. This is a common problem. Babies are born without an arch in the foot. By the time they are 2 to 3 years of age, they begin to develop an arch. Most people have normal arches by the time they become adults. Some people never form an arch in their foot. This may happen in one or both feet. ‚
Flat feet may happen because the tendons in your feet are loose. Tendons are strong bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. There are two types of flat feet, flexible and rigid. Most of the time, flat feet are flexible. They do not cause any pain or other problems. With rigid flat feet, you may have problems in the ankles and knees. ‚
What are the causes?
Children may have flat feet for different reasons than adults. Children may: ‚
- Never develop arches
- Have bones in the foot that have grown together
- Have a muscle problem like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy
Flat feel in adults may be due to: ‚
- Getting older
- Injury to the foot
- Arthritis
- Problems with the tendons in the foot
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Having a family member with flat feet
- Older age
- Injury to the foot or ankle
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Being heavy
- Problems like diabetes or high blood pressure
What are the main signs?
- The inside bottom part of the foot touches the ground when standing. This causes more wear on the bottom, inside of shoes.
- Foot looks like it is turned outward
- Swelling along the bottom inside foot
- Foot feels stiff and tired
- May or may not have pain. This may be an ache on the bottom, inside of the foot. There may also be pain on the inside or outside of the ankle. Adults may have painful bony bumps on the inside and top of foot. Pain may be worse after being active.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and look at your feet. You may have to stand, walk, and raise up onto your toes. If an arch forms when you raise up on your toes, this is called a flexible flat foot. If it does not, it is called a rigid flat foot. Your doctor may also ask to look at the bottom of your shoes to look at the wear pattern. You may need to have tests like: ‚
- X-ray
- CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You may not need any treatment if you are not having pain. The doctor may suggest: ‚
- Rest
- Drugs
- You do low-impact activities like swimming, biking, or walking. These are easier on your joints than running or jumping sports.
- You lose weight if you are heavy
- Special shoes or shoe inserts called orthotics. The shoe inserts may be purchased over-the-counter or may be made just for your feet.
- Physical therapy and stretching exercises to the heel cord or Achilles tendon
- Casts or braces for people with muscle or nerve problems
- Surgery is done only to correct other problems like torn tendons or to fuse bones together.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Many people with flat feet also have a tight Achilles tendon or heel cord. Treating this problem may help. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection if you have surgery
What problems could happen?
- Foot looks deformed
- Less ankle motion
- Ongoing pain
- Trouble walking
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Most of the time, you cannot prevent this problem. These things may help lessen the chances of getting flat feet: ‚
- Wear comfortable shoes with a good arch support.
- Stay active and exercise. Be sure to keep your calf muscles flexible with stretching.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/orthopedic/Pages/Flat-Feet-Fallen-Arches.aspx ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/flat-feet.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flatfeet/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚