Flat feet are characterised by a position where the ankles are rolling inwards, and the feet or toes may point outwards. There is little to no visible arch on the inside border of the foot, hence the term ‘fallen arches’.
The term for rolling in at the ankle joint when walking known as pronation. While pronation is a normal part of walking that helps our feet absorb shock and adapt to uneven surfaces, it is excess pronation that can become problematic – and painful.
It’s important to remember that having flat feet is not uncommon and does not guarantee that you will develop lower limb pain or problems. Flat feet are, however, linked to a greater occurrence of foot problems because of the effect that prolonged pronation has on your bones, joints, muscles and ligaments.
When we assess a patient’s foot posture, we look for signs as opposed to symptoms. These include:
Often, it comes down to the way that your bones, joints, muscles and ligaments are working together that results in the shape of the arch. Some people may have flat feet from birth and others may develop them over time or alongside other conditions. Causes may include:
