Condition Basics What is flatfoot? Flatfoot (pes planus) is a condition in which the longitudinal arch in the foot, which runs lengthwise along the sole of the foot, has not developed normally and is lowered or flattened out. One foot or both feet may be affected.
Children as well as adults may be flat-footed. Most children are flat-footed until they are between the ages of 3 and 5 when their longitudinal arch develops normally.
What causes it? Flatfoot may be an inherited condition or may be caused by an injury or condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, or diabetes.
What are the symptoms? People who have flat feet rarely have symptoms or problems. Some people may have pain because of:
Changes in work environment. Minor injury. Sudden weight gain. Excessive standing, walking, jumping, or running. Poorly fitted footwear. Children sometimes have foot discomfort and leg aches associated with flat-footedness.
How is flatfoot treated? Treatment in adults most often includes wearing spacious, comfortable shoes with good arch support. Your doctor may recommend padding for the heel (heel cup) or orthotic shoe devices. Orthotics are moulded pieces of rubber, leather, metal, plastic, or other synthetic material that are inserted into a shoe. They balance the foot in a neutral position and cushion the foot from extra pounding.
For children, treatment using corrective shoes or inserts is rarely needed, as the arch usually develops normally by age 5.
Surgery is rarely needed.
You may be able to relieve heel pain by:
Stretching tight calf muscles. For example, try standing calf stretches (Figure 1) that are done against a wall.Doing foot-strengthening exercises with a towel and weights. Towel scrunches (Figure 2) are one example.Doing foot-stretching exercises with a towel. For example, try seated calf stretches (Figure 3) .Some people may choose more intensive strengthening and flexibility programs. This may include competitive athletes, people who want to return to a heavy sports program, or people who are highly motivated. A physiotherapist or trainer can help supervise a program recommended by your sports medicine specialist or a foot specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist.
Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Figure 1 - Calf stretch (back knee straight) Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall. You can also do this with your hands on the back of a chair, a counter, or a tree. Put one leg about a step behind your other leg, with your toes pointing forward. Keeping your back leg straight and your back heel on the floor, bend your front knee and gently bring your hip and chest toward the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf of your back leg. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times for each leg. Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 2 - Towel scrunch Sit in a chair, and place your affected foot on a towel on a hard floor (not a floor with carpet). Scrunch the towel toward you with your toes. Then use your toes to push the towel back into place. Repeat 8 to 12 times. It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other foot. Make this exercise more challenging by placing a weighted object, such as a soup can, on the other end of the towel.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
Figure 3 - Calf stretch (seated, knee straight) Sit on the floor with your affected leg straight and resting on the floor. Place a towel around your affected foot. Hold one end of the towel in each hand. Pull back gently with the towel so that you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times. It's a good idea to repeat these steps with your other leg. Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffClinical Review Board
