Flat feet: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Flat feet | |||
| image = [[File:Flatfoot.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A person with flat feet | |||
| field = [[Podiatry]] | |||
| synonyms = Pes planus, fallen arches | |||
| symptoms = [[Foot pain]], [[knee pain]], [[ankle pain]] | |||
| complications = [[Plantar fasciitis]], [[shin splints]], [[bunions]] | |||
| onset = Can be present from [[birth]] or develop over time | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Genetics]], [[injury]], [[arthritis]], [[obesity]] | |||
| risks = [[Obesity]], [[diabetes]], [[aging]], [[pregnancy]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[X-ray]], [[MRI]] | |||
| differential = [[Tarsal coalition]], [[posterior tibial tendon dysfunction]] | |||
| treatment = [[Orthotics]], [[physical therapy]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Pain relievers]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
Flat feet, also known as '''[[pes planus]]''' or fallen arches, is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. This condition can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood or they collapse under weight over time. | Flat feet, also known as '''[[pes planus]]''' or fallen arches, is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. This condition can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood or they collapse under weight over time. | ||
[[File:Adult Flatfoot.JPG|thumb|Adult Flatfoot]] | [[File:Adult Flatfoot.JPG|left|thumb|Adult Flatfoot]] | ||
[[File:Pes planus 7W - CR seitlich im Stehen - 001.jpg|thumb|Pes planus 7W - CR seitlich im Stehen - 001 | [[File:Pes planus 7W - CR seitlich im Stehen - 001.jpg|left|thumb|Pes planus 7W - CR seitlich im Stehen - 001]] | ||
== Classification == | == Classification == | ||
Flat feet can be classified into two types: | Flat feet can be classified into two types: | ||
[[File:Flatfeet.svg|thumb|Flatfeet]] | [[File:Flatfeet.svg|left|thumb|Flatfeet]] | ||
* '''Flexible flat feet''': The arches on the feet are visible when the person is sitting or standing on tiptoes, but disappear when standing normally. | * '''Flexible flat feet''': The arches on the feet are visible when the person is sitting or standing on tiptoes, but disappear when standing normally. | ||
* '''Rigid flat feet''': The arch is not visible regardless of whether the person is sitting, standing on tiptoes, or standing normally<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/flatfeet-a-to-z|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Harvard Health}}</ref>. | * '''Rigid flat feet''': The arch is not visible regardless of whether the person is sitting, standing on tiptoes, or standing normally<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/flatfeet-a-to-z|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Harvard Health}}</ref>. | ||
== Signs and Symptoms == | == Signs and Symptoms == | ||
In many instances, flat feet do not cause any problems. However, potential signs and symptoms may include: | In many instances, flat feet do not cause any problems. However, potential signs and symptoms may include: | ||
* Feet tire easily | * Feet tire easily | ||
* Painful or achy feet, particularly in the areas of the arches and heels | * Painful or achy feet, particularly in the areas of the arches and heels | ||
* Swelling along the inside of the ankle | * Swelling along the inside of the ankle | ||
* Difficulty with foot movement, such as standing on the toes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flatfeet/symptoms-causes/syc-20372604|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>. | * Difficulty with foot movement, such as standing on the toes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flatfeet/symptoms-causes/syc-20372604|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Flat feet can be congenital, meaning people are born with the condition. In some cases, flat feet develop over time due to aging, obesity, or pregnancy. Other potential causes include: | Flat feet can be congenital, meaning people are born with the condition. In some cases, flat feet develop over time due to aging, obesity, or pregnancy. Other potential causes include: | ||
* Injuries or overuse of the feet | * Injuries or overuse of the feet | ||
* Rheumatoid arthritis | * Rheumatoid arthritis | ||
* Dysfunction, rupture, or damage to the posterior tibial tendon | * Dysfunction, rupture, or damage to the posterior tibial tendon | ||
* Nervous system or muscle diseases, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-are-fallen-arches#1|title=What Are Fallen Arches?|publisher=WebMD}}</ref>. | * Nervous system or muscle diseases, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-are-fallen-arches#1|title=What Are Fallen Arches?|publisher=WebMD}}</ref>. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider and may include observing the feet and the individual walking. The provider may also examine the wear pattern on the person's shoes. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used for a comprehensive evaluation<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557841/|title=Pes Planus|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>. | Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider and may include observing the feet and the individual walking. The provider may also examine the wear pattern on the person's shoes. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used for a comprehensive evaluation<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557841/|title=Pes Planus|publisher=NCBI}}</ref>. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
In cases where flat feet cause pain or other symptoms, treatment options may include: | In cases where flat feet cause pain or other symptoms, treatment options may include: | ||
* Orthotic devices or insoles: These are designed to support the arch of the foot. | * Orthotic devices or insoles: These are designed to support the arch of the foot. | ||
* Stretching exercises: Certain exercises may help reduce symptoms. | * Stretching exercises: Certain exercises may help reduce symptoms. | ||
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* Physical therapy: Specific exercises can strengthen the feet and ankles. | * Physical therapy: Specific exercises can strengthen the feet and ankles. | ||
* Surgery: In severe cases where non-surgical treatments haven't been successful<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flatfeet/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372609|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>. | * Surgery: In severe cases where non-surgical treatments haven't been successful<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flatfeet/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372609|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Mayo Clinic}}</ref>. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
While flat feet can cause pain and other issues, it's a common and typically non-serious condition. Many people with flat feet lead perfectly healthy lives. For those with persistent pain, solutions are available. | While flat feet can cause pain and other issues, it's a common and typically non-serious condition. Many people with flat feet lead perfectly healthy lives. For those with persistent pain, solutions are available. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
While some causes of flat feet, such as genetic factors or aging, cannot be prevented, some preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing painful flat feet: | While some causes of flat feet, such as genetic factors or aging, cannot be prevented, some preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing painful flat feet: | ||
| Line 46: | Line 55: | ||
* Proper footwear: Wearing shoes with good arch support and a low heel can help. | * Proper footwear: Wearing shoes with good arch support and a low heel can help. | ||
* Limit wearing high heels: They can put stress on the arches<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthline.com/health/flatfeet|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Healthline}}</ref>. | * Limit wearing high heels: They can put stress on the arches<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthline.com/health/flatfeet|title=Flatfeet|publisher=Healthline}}</ref>. | ||
== Complications == | == Complications == | ||
Flat feet can occasionally contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because it can alter the alignment of your legs. If you aren't experiencing any pain, no treatment is typically necessary for flat feet. | Flat feet can occasionally contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because it can alter the alignment of your legs. If you aren't experiencing any pain, no treatment is typically necessary for flat feet. | ||
However, if flat feet are causing pain, it's important to seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and avoid potential complications such as: | However, if flat feet are causing pain, it's important to seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and avoid potential complications such as: | ||
* Shin splints | * Shin splints | ||
* Stress fractures | * Stress fractures | ||
* Bunions and hammertoes | * Bunions and hammertoes | ||
* Pain in the lower back, hips or knees<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-are-fallen-arches|title=What Are Fallen Arches?|publisher=WebMD}}</ref>. | * Pain in the lower back, hips or knees<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-are-fallen-arches|title=What Are Fallen Arches?|publisher=WebMD}}</ref>. | ||
== Society and Culture == | == Society and Culture == | ||
Flat feet are common in both children and adults, and they can occur in people of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Many athletes with flat feet have successful careers in sports. The key to a healthy lifestyle, even with flat feet, is proper care and treatment when symptoms occur. | Flat feet are common in both children and adults, and they can occur in people of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Many athletes with flat feet have successful careers in sports. The key to a healthy lifestyle, even with flat feet, is proper care and treatment when symptoms occur. | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [[Podiatry]] | * [[Podiatry]] | ||
* [[Orthopedic Surgery]] | * [[Orthopedic Surgery]] | ||
* [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]] | * [[Rheumatoid Arthritis]] | ||
[[Category:Orthopedic Problems]] | [[Category:Orthopedic Problems]] | ||
[[Category:Foot Diseases]] | [[Category:Foot Diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Medical Conditions]] | [[Category:Medical Conditions]] | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Arch support]] | * [[Arch support]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:36, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Flat feet | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Pes planus, fallen arches |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Foot pain, knee pain, ankle pain |
| Complications | Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, bunions |
| Onset | Can be present from birth or develop over time |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetics, injury, arthritis, obesity |
| Risks | Obesity, diabetes, aging, pregnancy |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, X-ray, MRI |
| Differential diagnosis | Tarsal coalition, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Orthotics, physical therapy, surgery |
| Medication | Pain relievers |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, is a postural deformity in which the arches of the foot collapse, with the entire sole of the foot coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. This condition can occur when the arches don't develop during childhood or they collapse under weight over time.
Classification[edit]
Flat feet can be classified into two types:
- Flexible flat feet: The arches on the feet are visible when the person is sitting or standing on tiptoes, but disappear when standing normally.
- Rigid flat feet: The arch is not visible regardless of whether the person is sitting, standing on tiptoes, or standing normally<ref>
Flatfeet(link). {{{website}}}. Harvard Health.
</ref>.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
In many instances, flat feet do not cause any problems. However, potential signs and symptoms may include:
- Feet tire easily
- Painful or achy feet, particularly in the areas of the arches and heels
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Difficulty with foot movement, such as standing on the toes<ref>
Flatfeet(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.
</ref>.
Causes[edit]
Flat feet can be congenital, meaning people are born with the condition. In some cases, flat feet develop over time due to aging, obesity, or pregnancy. Other potential causes include:
- Injuries or overuse of the feet
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dysfunction, rupture, or damage to the posterior tibial tendon
- Nervous system or muscle diseases, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy<ref>
What Are Fallen Arches?(link). {{{website}}}. WebMD.
</ref>.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare provider and may include observing the feet and the individual walking. The provider may also examine the wear pattern on the person's shoes. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used for a comprehensive evaluation<ref>
Pes Planus(link). {{{website}}}. NCBI.
</ref>.
Treatment[edit]
In cases where flat feet cause pain or other symptoms, treatment options may include:
- Orthotic devices or insoles: These are designed to support the arch of the foot.
- Stretching exercises: Certain exercises may help reduce symptoms.
- Supportive shoes: Shoes that have good arch support and avoid tight or high-heeled shoes.
- Physical therapy: Specific exercises can strengthen the feet and ankles.
- Surgery: In severe cases where non-surgical treatments haven't been successful<ref>
Flatfeet(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic.
</ref>.
Prognosis[edit]
While flat feet can cause pain and other issues, it's a common and typically non-serious condition. Many people with flat feet lead perfectly healthy lives. For those with persistent pain, solutions are available.
Prevention[edit]
While some causes of flat feet, such as genetic factors or aging, cannot be prevented, some preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing painful flat feet:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can put additional stress on the feet.
- Regular exercise: It can help keep joints more flexible and strengthen the muscles supporting the foot.
- Proper footwear: Wearing shoes with good arch support and a low heel can help.
- Limit wearing high heels: They can put stress on the arches<ref>
Flatfeet(link). {{{website}}}. Healthline.
</ref>.
Complications[edit]
Flat feet can occasionally contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because it can alter the alignment of your legs. If you aren't experiencing any pain, no treatment is typically necessary for flat feet. However, if flat feet are causing pain, it's important to seek treatment to alleviate discomfort and avoid potential complications such as:
- Shin splints
- Stress fractures
- Bunions and hammertoes
- Pain in the lower back, hips or knees<ref>
What Are Fallen Arches?(link). {{{website}}}. WebMD.
</ref>.
Society and Culture[edit]
Flat feet are common in both children and adults, and they can occur in people of all fitness levels and backgrounds. Many athletes with flat feet have successful careers in sports. The key to a healthy lifestyle, even with flat feet, is proper care and treatment when symptoms occur.
