Flat Feet

Flat Feet are also known as Pes Planus or Dropped Arches. People with flat feet have a very low arch or no arch, meaning that one or both of their feet may be flat on the ground. With flat feet, the feet may roll to the inner side when standing and walking. This is known as overpronation and it may also cause the feet to point outward.

Flexible flat feet is the most common type. The arches in your feet appear only when you lift them off the ground, and your soles touch the ground fully when you place your feet on the ground. This type starts in childhood and usually does not cause pain.

The causes of Flat Feet include weak arches (arch is visible when a person sits but foot flattens onto the ground when they stand), foot or ankle injury, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or damage, dysfunction or rupture of posterior tibial tendon. Arches of the foot are important as during standing, the weight of the body is distributed throughout the bones in the foot by the arches and it acts as shock absorbers. The medial longitudinal arch also has an important role in shock absorption and propulsion during walking, running, and jumping.

Physical therapy can help treat Flat Feet. Apart from manual therapy, Cryotherapy to reduce inflammation, and daily stretching exercises for feet and legs will be incorporated into the treatment. Recommendations such as proper footwear with substantial arch support and the use of insoles to relieve foot pressure may be necessary depending on the condition. Functional training to correct walking patterns will also be taught. If in doubt, seek professional advice.

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