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Flat feet (medically known as Pes planus), or fallen arches, is a common foot condition in which the arch along the inside of the foot is significantly lower or flattened. It is also commonly described as pronated feet or overpronation because the feet and ankles look like they are rolling inwards. This condition can often lead to various issues, including pain and discomfort in the feet, ankles, knees, and even the lower back.
Flat feet can be present from birth or develop later in life. Most individuals would have gotten the condition at a young age, also known as paediatric flat feet. However, an adult can develop it due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, where the tendon responsible for holding the foot arch starts to degenerate and weaken.
There are two main types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. Each type requires a different management approach, so your medical professional or podiatrist must identify it correctly before starting any treatment.
Flexible pes planus occurs when the structures (bones, ligaments, and tendons) of the feet cannot support the arch when standing or walking. Individuals with flexible pes planus have a fallen arch when standing. However, an obvious foot arch can be seen when the foot is off the ground, such as when sitting or lying down.
Rigid pes planus occurs when there is a structural abnormality within the bones and joints of the foot, which causes a fallen arch regardless of standing or sitting. This can be due to various underlying reasons, such as:
There are many associated risk factors of flat feet, including:
A person with flat feet may or may not have symptoms. If you are asymptomatic (no symptoms), it means that your body can still withstand the tissue stress level your feet bring. However, symptoms may still develop once the stress level exceeds what your body can withstand, either by your increasing activity or ageing. Symptoms are usually a result of tendon or joint overuse injury from walking or running with flat feet.
Signs and symptoms may include:
Flat feet can cause various conditions, but it does not always mean you will develop them. Some individuals may only suffer pain later in life, but some may develop these conditions in their teens.
Associated conditions, as seen in research, include:
There are a few methods for assessing whether you have a normal foot arch. You can either observe your footprints, check the wear pattern of your shoe, or look from the back of your heels.
Footprints are one of the easiest ways to assess your foot arch. A normal footprint would have an obvious concave curvature at the arch. A person with flat feet would not have a concave curvature or may be convex.
A person with flat feet will have a medially distorted shoe upper, meaning the arch area bulges outwards. You will also notice that the heel counter starts to slant inwards. Excessive wear of the inner side of the sole is also an indication of flat feet.
The ideal foot posture is to have a verticle heel position. A person with flat feet typically has an inward slanting heel position (forming a triangle), whereas high arch feet may have an outward slanting heel position (inverted triangle).
The management plan for flat feet varies depending on the severity of the foot deformity and the associated symptoms. The most common treatment option is a pair of supportive insoles that help correct foot posture when standing. It is crucial to understand that insoles for flat feet do not just provide arch support; they also have to correct foot posture from the heel. It is also important to know that insoles do not permanently correct the feet, and neither do other non-surgical options.
Typical treatment options for flat feet in Singapore include:
Your medical professional should assess your condition carefully to determine the best management plan for you.
There are no proven non-surgical methods to correct flat foot deformity permanently, especially in teenagers and adults. In extreme cases, surgery may be considered for correction. There are various procedures that orthopaedic surgeons perform, but you must be prepared for the risks associated with them.
Risks of surgical procedures include:
To prevent complications associated with flat feet, you should consider the following:
Holistic management of flat feet involves a combination of evidence-based options and preventive measures tailored to each individual’s needs. At Straits Podiatry, we are dedicated to providing top-quality care and solutions to help you improve your overall comfort and lower limb function. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your foot posture, contact us for a comprehensive evaluation. Your path to relief and improved foot health starts with expert care at Straits Podiatry.
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Yes, flat feet can lead to pain in other areas, such as the knees, hips, and lower back, due to altered foot mechanics and improper alignment. The additional strain on these areas can result in discomfort and pain.
Custom orthotics can be highly effective if it is prescribed and designed correctly. They are designed to provide personalized support, correct foot mechanics, and alleviate pain. Many individuals find significant relief with properly fitted orthotics. We strongly recommend seeing a Podiatrist for your foot orthotics prescription instead of going to a shoe store or an orthotics technician.
Yes, flat feet can develop later in life due to factors such as ageing, injury, or certain medical conditions. It’s important to address symptoms early and seek professional evaluation to prevent further issues.
Shoes with good arch support, structured cushioning, and midsole stability are best for individuals with flat feet. Look for footwear designed to support and reduce strain on the feet, and consider consulting a podiatrist for personalised recommendations.
You should see a podiatrist if you experience persistent foot pain, discomfort, or difficulty with footwear related to flat feet. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis and provide advice on management to address your specific needs.
Straits Podiatry (Buona Vista),
31 Rochester Drive,
#02-01 (Hotel Block),
Singapore 138637
Straits Podiatry (Katong),
i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Rd,
#03-01/02/03/04/28,
Singapore, 428802.
Straits Podiatry (Orchard),
Healthway Japanese Medical
@The Centrepoint
176 Orchard Rd,
#06-05,
Singapore, 238843