Flat Feet
What is it ?
Flat feet, also known as pes planus, occur when the foot arch collapses such that the soles of the feet come to complete or near-complete contact with the ground.
The arch of your foot plays an important role in lower limb biomechanics; it helps propel the body over the foot during walking whilst also assisting in shock absorption. Flat feet can often with asymptomatic.
Causes
Age
Overuse, and wear and tear
Injury to foot and ankle
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
Ligament laxity, such as in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Obesity
Pregnancy
Other conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy
Signs and Symptoms
Achy tired feet
Muscle cramps and aches
Stiffness in feet
Knee, hip and back pain.
Treatment
Custom-made orthoses
Footwear modification
Joint mobilization
Exercise therapy: including strengthening exercises for the feet
In certain circumstances (i.e. a rigid flat foot), surgery which is rare.