What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also called pes planus, are when the arches of your feet are lower than normal or completely non-existent. This can happen in one foot or both; it may be present from childhood or develop later in life. Flat feet can affect how you walk, distribute weight and absorb shock, sometimes leading to complications in the foot, ankle and even the knees and back.
Many people have flat feet and live normally without any symptoms, but in some cases, they can cause pain, deformities or instability.
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What Causes Flat Feet?
Flat feet can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.
Congenital Causes of Flat Feet
- Genetic factors that influence arch development
- Certain disorders or syndromes such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome or joint hypermobility
- Birth defects like clubfoot or tarsal coalition
Acquired Causes of Flat Feet
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, where the tendon running along the inside of the ankle and foot becomes inflamed or torn — the most common cause of adult flat feet
- Injury or trauma
- Arthritis
- Charcot foot due to diabetes-related nerve damage
- Obesity or other conditions that place extra stress on the feet
Flat Feet Symptoms
Not everyone with flat feet experiences problems. If symptoms occur, they may include:
- Pain along the inside of the foot and ankle
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Pain on the outside of the ankle
- Swelling or painful, bony bumps on the top or bottom of the foot
- Shin splints, knee, hip or lower back pain due to altered gait
- Secondary conditions like bunions, hammer toes or arthritis
Types of Flat Feet
Healthcare providers often classify flat feet based on flexibility and cause:
- Flexible flat foot: Arch appears when not standing, disappears when standing. The most common type.
- Rigid flat foot: No arch whether sitting or standing; difficult to flex foot.
- Congenital flat foot: Present from birth due to genetics or developmental issues.
- Acquired flat foot (fallen arches): Develops later in life due to tendon dysfunction, injury or chronic conditions.
How Are Flat Feet Treated?
Many cases do not require treatment. If flat feet are mild and painless, no intervention may be needed.
Treatment generally begins with nonsurgical measures such as orthotic shoe inserts, physical therapy exercises and over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. When nonsurgical treatment is not working, surgery may be recommended. The specific surgery performed is based on multiple factors and may involve bone or tendon reconstruction.
Can You Prevent Flat Feet?
In many cases, flat feet cannot be fully prevented, especially when caused by genetics. However, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear and performing strengthening exercises may reduce stress on your arches and limit pain or secondary problems.
Flat Feet Pain Treatment at OrthoNebraska
Looking for relief from painful flat feet in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
