Definition: Medical condition in which the arch of the foot collapses, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground
Medical terminology: pes planus or pes planovalgus
What are flat feet?
Flat feet or fallen arches is a condition when the foot does not have a normal arch when standing. When all body weight is placed on the feet, there is little to no space between the arch and the ground.
What can cause flat feet?
- Flexible foot (hypermobile)
- Injury/trauma
- Arthritis
- Pregnancy
- Certain diseases or disorders – diabetes, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, marfan syndrome
- Family history
What are the symptoms of having flat feet?
Many people who have flat feet do not experience foot pain or other problems. Having flat feet does not mean you will experience foot pain but you may be more susceptible to certain foot pain and foot disorders.
- Achy or tired feet
- Pain in the arch, heel or ankle
- Ankle instability
- Shin splints (pain in front of leg)
- Calluses and/or corns
- pain in knee, hip or lower back