Flat Feet (fallen arches)

What are flat feet?

Flat feet is the term used when the arch of the foot is lower than normal. This condition is also known as fallen arches.

The foot is usually an arch shape, with the middle part off the ground and the heel and ball of the foot touching the ground. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes the arch never develops properly or it might flatten towards the ground.

Knowing what type of foot you have and how it works can help you avoid problems and remain active throughout your life.

What are the symptoms of flat feet?

Flat feet don’t always produce symptoms, but at times they can cause pain in the heel, arch, leg or other parts of the body. This is due to flat feet changing how the feet and legs align, and how they work together when moving.

What causes flat feet?

Flat feet can be caused by the arches in the feet not developing properly during childhood.

Children’s feet develop at different speeds, with a child’s arch height forming as the foot and leg muscles get stronger and grow. Some children might never develop an arch, which is perfectly normal and may never cause a problem.

Flat feet can develop with age, as wear and tear on the feet causes the arch to drop.

Some specific conditions can also cause flat feet, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.

You have a greater chance of developing flat feet if you:

• have injured your foot or ankle
• have rheumatoid arthritis
• have diabetes
• are obese

How are flat feet diagnosed?

To find out if you have flat feet, look at the arch of your foot to see whether it is touching the ground.  Other signs that might indicate you have flat feet include:

• uneven shoe wear or shoes wearing out quickly
• regular pain in your feet and/or legs
• tripping or falling often, especially for children
• feet that are weak, numb or stiff

If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Flat Feet Liverpool Podiatrist

Sydney Foot Clinic Moorebank offers podiatry services in your local suburbs:

• Moorebank
• Chipping Norton
• Holsworthy
• Liverpool
• Milperra

• Georges Fair
• Hammondville
•  Wattle Grove
• Revesby

• Condell Park
• Lurnea
• Cartwright
• Miller
• Mount Pritchard