A flat foot, or flatfoot, is a foot whose arch is low or collapses when standing. Many flat feet are painless and need no treatment, but in some people they cause pain, fatigue or progressive deformity.
Flat feet in children
Most babies and young children have flat-looking feet, and the arch typically develops during early childhood. A flexible flat foot, where an arch appears when the child stands on tiptoe or sits, is common and usually painless. A child with pain, a stiff flat foot, or limited foot motion should be evaluated, since conditions such as a tarsal coalition can be responsible. Pediatric patients are welcome. See congenital foot deformities.
Flat feet in adults
An arch that collapses later in life is often related to the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch. This is called adult-acquired flatfoot. Other causes include arthritis, injury, inflammatory disease, obesity, and nerve damage that can lead to Charcot foot.
Symptoms
- Pain or fatigue in the arch and along the inside of the ankle
- Swelling on the inner ankle
- A heel that tilts outward, and an arch that looks lower over time
- Shoes that wear down on the inside
- Pain on the outer ankle in advanced cases
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe
Evaluation
Examination looks at the arch while standing, walking and on tiptoe, and weight-bearing X-rays show how the bones are aligned. MRI or ultrasound can look at the tendon.
Treatment
- Supportive shoes and custom or over-the-counter orthotics
- Calf stretching and strengthening exercises
- Bracing, such as an ankle brace or AFO, for tendon problems
- Activity changes, and weight management when appropriate
- Physical therapy
When surgery is considered
Surgery may be recommended for a painful flat foot that does not improve with non-surgical care, or when deformity is progressing. Procedures can include repairing or transferring tendons, realigning the heel and arch bones, and fusing joints. The plan depends on whether the foot is flexible or rigid. See also tendonitis and tendon injuries.
Dr. Ajdari sees patients in Metairie on the Southshore and in Slidell on the Northshore, serving the Greater New Orleans area. Request an appointment or call 985-326-8614.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an examination and advice from a qualified clinician. Treatment recommendations depend on your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.