Flat feet are a common condition of the foot structure. In infants and toddlers, prior to walking, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. Most feet are flexible and an arch appears when children begin standing on their toes. The arch continues to develop throughout childhood, and by adulthood most people have developed normal arches.

 

Flat feet are generally associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line. Shoes of children who pronate, when placed side by side, will lean toward each other (after they have been worn long enough for the foot position to remodel their shape).

Many people with flat feet do not experience pain or other problems. When pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg does occur, especially in children, the feet should be evaluated.

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The result of pronation can vary from patient to patient but it should be noted that this abnormal force on the body is a major contributor of a myriad of bony and soft tissue problems; often leading to pain!

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When flat feet or pronation forces become excessive or abnormal, symptoms may occur in the following areas:

• Feet (e.g. bunions, hammer toes, corns, calluses)

• Heels (e.g. plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, heel pain, Sever’s disease)

• Shins (e.g. shin splints, posterior tibial tendinopathy, PTTD)

• Knees (e.g. patellofemoral syndrome, chondromalacia (runners knee), Osgood Schlatter’s disease

•  Thighs (e.g. Iliotibial band syndrome)

• Hips (e.g. greater trochanter bursitis)

• Upper and lower back (e.g. sciatica, disc protrusion)

• Neck and head secondary to poor postural alignment which can occur with kyphosis.

 

Painful progressive flatfoot, otherwise known as tibialis posterior tendonitis or adult-acquired flatfoot, refers to inflammation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior. This condition arises when the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn. Left untreated, it may lead to severe disability and chronic pain. People are predisposed to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they have flat feet or an abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot.

 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, icing, physical therapy, supportive taping, bracing, and orthotics are common treatments for painful progressive flatfoot. Here at Concord Foot Clinic we perform a detailed biomachanical assessment to evaluate your feet and treat accordingly. Please check our 3D custom orthotic page to learn about the latest technology we use to give your feet maximum support and amazing comfort.