Overview

What is pes planus?

Pes planus, more commonly known as "flat feet," is a relatively common foot deformity and is defined by a condition where one or both feet have little to no arch. In this condition, the pads of the feet press into the ground when you stand. You usually can't see an arch in the foot, although sometimes the arch appears when you lift the foot.

All children are born with flat feet. Arches often develop within the first six years of life. Approximately two out of 10 adults still have flatfeet as adults. Some adults have arches which collapse.This condition, known as fallen arches, is another term for flatfoot.

Flattened arches are not a problem for most people. However, some treatments may help if flat feet cause pain or other problems.

What are the types of pes planus?

Problems can arise either from flat feet that persist after childhood or from those acquired in adulthood. The types of flatfoot are:

• Flexible: Flexible flat feet are most common. You can see the arches in the feet when you are not standing. As you put pressure on the feet, the arches will disappear. Flexible flatfoot is a condition that develops in childhood or the teenage years. It involves both the feet and deteriorates over time. The tendons and ligaments of the arch can become over-stretched, torn, or inflamed.
• Rigid: In stiff flat feet, the arches have disappeared when someone stands on their feet or sits down. This condition typically occurs during the teenage years and worsens with time. It may hurt inside your feet. It can be difficult to bend your feet up and down or to move them sideways. The disorder may affect one or both feet.
• Fallen arch (adult-acquired): The collapsed arch turns the foot outward and hurts. The fallen arch is painful, and it makes the foot turn inward. Only one foot may be affected. The most common cause is an inflammation or tear in the back leg tendon (posterior tibial tendon), which supports the arch.
• Vertical Talus: This birth abnormality inhibits arches in some babies. The angle of the talus bone in the ankle develops under the wrong orientation. It has the shape of a rocker-bottom foot, and the lower part is somewhat convex. It is also called rocker-bottom foot.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Most people with flat feet have no symptoms at all. Some types of flatfoot do cause pain, however. You might experience:

• Cramming or cramping in your leg.
• Pain in the foot or leg, either aching or tired.
• Pain in the arch, ankle, heel, or along the sides of your foot.
• Pain when you walk or a change in the way you walk.
• Toes may turn outward.

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet may be part of your family history. As a child grows, arches are formed in the feet. Some people are naturally born with high arches, and some people have very low ones-or, nearly absent ones-resulting in flat feet.

Flat feet can develop later in life. The condition may also sometimes appear to be in families. Other conditions that may increase your risk for flat feet are:

• Injuries to the Achilles tendon
• Broken bones
• Cerebral palsy
• Diabetes
• Down syndrome
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

How are flat feet diagnosed?

Your provider diagnoses you by checking your symptoms and examining your arches when you stand, sit, and walk. You may undergo X-rays to examine the bone structure.

How are flat feet managed or treated?

Most people with flat feet have no symptoms or problems and do not need treatment. Your doctor may suggest some nonsurgical approaches if you experience pain, stiffness, or other problems in your foot. Only in a few cases do people require surgery to correct stiff flat feet or problems with bones or tendons.

Some treatments are:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and ice to minimize inflammation and pain.
• Stretching and strengthening of tight tendons and muscles with physical therapy to promote flexibility and movement.
• Supportive devices: Foot orthotics, foot or leg bracing, and custom shoes.

Can I prevent flat feet?

There is usually nothing you can do to prevent flat feet. However, maintaining a healthy weight may reduce pain from flat feet.

What is the prognosis (outlook) for people who have flat feet?

Most people with flat feet do not have symptoms that last throughout life. Usually, nonsurgical treatments help most people get relief from the symptoms. Some individuals do not need any treatment at all. An increased risk of some problems is associated with flat feet, such as:

• Arthritis.
• Bone spurs.
• Bunions or corns and calluses.
• Lower back, hip, or knee pain.
• Shin splints.

When to Contact a Medical Professional?

Call your provider if:

• Dizziness or loss of balance.
• You can't walk. Or pain with walking.
• Stiff, sore feet.
• Sudden flattening of the arch (fallen arches).

To seek an expert consultation for any orthopedic condition.

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