Adults with flat feet have a flattened or low arch. The flattened arch, which either failed to develop in childhood or has fallen in adulthood, allows the entire foot to be in contact with the floor when the person stands. Adult flat feet is a common condition that is usually painless. The condition, which has several causes, can result in problems for some people.
Arch Development
Infants and toddlers have flat feet because the arch does not develop until later. Most children have flexible flatfoot, which means the arch is visible when a child stands on tiptoes and is not visible when the child stands normally. The arch forms over time from the strengthening and tightening of the tendons connected to the bones in the foot. The failure to develop arches is a variation in foot types that is considered normal.
Acquired Flatfeet Causes
People with normal arches can experience fallen arches due to injury or illness. Fallen arches, and misalignment of the shinbone and anklebone, can result from the weakening of the posterior tibial tendon that runs from the ankle to the arch. Flat feet, or low arches, might indicate a congenital problem with foot development. Bone fracture or dislocation can cause flat feet, as can neurological weakness, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Your risk of developing flat feet increases if you are obese, have rheumatoid arthritis or suffer an ankle or foot injury. Fallen arches can occur as a normal condition of aging.
Problems
Flat feet can cause problems in your ankles, legs and feet, including pain or discomfort in your feet if you stand for long periods. Flat feet can worsen lower back pain. Over time, you might have problems wearing shoes, climbing stairs or walking. Flat feet can make it difficult to stand on your tiptoes or to comfortably move your foot and heel. You might experience aches in your arch or heel or notice swelling on the inside of edge of your feet. Progressive flat feet deformity occurs in nearly half of people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Treatment
Your doctor can diagnose flat feet by examining your feet, although he may order x-rays and other tests to fully determine the degree of the condition, the causes and any problems that may have resulted. Your doctor might recommend simple remedies, such as wearing different shoes, wearing arch supports or other orthotic devices, or undergoing physical therapy or corticosteroid injections for pain relief. For a severe flat feet condition, your doctor might recommend foot surgery to realign bones or to remove or repair tendons.
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