A structural disorder of the feet in which the curve of the long arch flattens. The term fallen arches may sometimes be used to describe flat feet. Flat feet are considered normal in young children since everyone has flat feet at birth, and the arch of the foot develops slowly over the first 6 years of life. In adults, the condition may cause pain in the feet and can be associated with pain in the ankle, knee, or lower back.
Flat feet is a condition that typically affects both feet, characterized by the absence of the arch in the foot, causing the sole to rest flat on the ground. Normally, the arches develop gradually as the supportive ligaments and muscles in the soles mature; they are usually fully formed by around the age of six. However, in some individuals, the ligaments may be lax or the foot muscles weak, resulting in persistent flat feet. In rarer cases, the arches may not form due to a hereditary bone structure defect.
Flat feet can develop in adulthood due to fallen arches, which may be a consequence of a rapid increase in weight. Additionally, certain neurological or muscular diseases, like poliomyelitis, can lead to the weakening of the supportive muscles and ligaments in the feet, contributing to the condition of flat feet.
Typically, flat feet are painless and do not necessitate any treatment. However, in some instances, individuals may experience foot aches while walking or standing. To alleviate discomfort, arch supports can be worn inside shoes, and specific exercises can be employed to strengthen weakened ligaments and muscles. In rare cases, a small number of affected children may need a corrective operation to address the bone alignment in their feet.