
Mr Stuart A Metcalfe BSc(Hons), MPhil, FRCPod(S)
FELLOW ROYAL COLLEGE OF PODIATRY

FLAT FOOT DEFORMITY
FLAT FEET
It is important to distinguis between feet with a low arch and those feet in which the bones are mal-aligned when standing. It is these feet we are concerned about.
IS IT NORMAL IN INFANTS
It is normal for infants to have little or no arch to their feet. As they develop the bones alter position so that by around 5-6 years they chould have a more adult foot shape.
RIGID FLAT FOOT
These can represent very serious foot conditions which must not be overlooked. The two most common causes are:
LOW ARCHED FEET
Low arched feet do not usually require treatment where the bones and joints are normally aligned. This is because although "low arched" there is no extra stress on the ligaments, tendons and joints.
FLAT FOOT CONFUSION
Many docotrs get confused about flat feet because the fail to understand the different types of flat feet. This can lead to delays in proper diagnosis and treatment.
FLEXIBLE FLAT FOOT
This is by far the most common type of flat foot defomrity and is easily distinguished by careful clinical assessment.
SYMPTOMS
Flexible flat foot deformity commonly causes symptoms after exercise:
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Aching legs
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Foot strain
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Relucatance to participate in sport
NORMAL FLAT FOOT
There is a low arch but all of the bones are aligned correctly and so there is no abnormal stress loading to the joints and surrounding ligaments.
TREATMENT
Treatment will depend on the type of flat foot you or your child has and the degree of symptoms present. Treatment typically involves orthotic management or key hole flat foot surgery.