Pes planus is also sometimes called flat foot, because the arch of the foot appears to lie flat against the ground when a person is standing. The congenital form of the condition is often seen in youngsters, as the longitudinal arch of the foot is undeveloped. Flat foot usually disappears as the ligaments supporting the arch become stronger, generally by the end of the first decade of life. Occasionally, it persists, either as flexible flat foot or rigid flat foot. Most people with the condition don't have any symptoms, so don't require any treatment. The few who are symptomatic typically get relief with conservative treatment.
Lifestyle Changes
About 20 percent of adults have pes planus, according to Patient UK. Most of these people have the flexible form of flat foot and aren't bothered by the condition. For those who experience pain from their flat feet, weight loss may help. Activities that worsen pain, such as walking, running or hiking, may need to be curtailed or modified, though the pain may be controlled with medications or by wearing appropriate footwear, such as low-heeled shoes with a wider toe cap.
Exercise
According to Dr. Gordon Hunter, in a paper prepared for The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, about a quarter of people who have flat feet also have a restricted Achilles' tendon, sometimes called a heel cord contracture. For those with flat feet, adding tight heel cords to the mix limits function. Regular daily heel cord stretching is easily done by placing the hands about shoulder height on a wall and taking a step backward with one foot. Keeping the heel of that foot on the ground, bend the knee on the forward foot. Hold this stretched position for about 30 seconds, and then relax before repeating the exercise three or four times for each leg. Toe curls and heel raises may also help strengthen the muscles that support the arch.
Orthotics
The Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics questions the effectiveness of some shoe inserts, noting that arch supports may actually induce symptoms if the heel cord remains tight, and suggests a course of stretching exercises before purchasing orthotics. Heel wedges, while not a permanent solution, sometimes help correct flat foot or limit pain from flat feet during the time they are worn. For those with the fixed form of pes planus, custom orthotics may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.
Surgery
Surgery is very rarely recommended for treatment of congenital pes planus. If needed, the aim of surgery would be to realign bones and joints and reinforce tendons. The foot would be immobilized in a cast after such a surgery, and a lengthy period of rehabilitation would follow.
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