Flat feet (pes planus) describes a foot in which the medial longitudinal arch is reduced or absent. When you stand, the entire sole of the foot contacts the ground. While flat feet are very common - and in many people cause no symptoms at all - they can in some cases cause pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back, particularly when associated with excessive pronation during walking or running.
At Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent, we perform detailed assessments to determine whether your flat feet are symptomatic, flexible or rigid, and whether they require treatment — and if so, which approach is most appropriate.
Types of Flat Feet
Flexible flat feet – The arch collapses under load but appears when the foot is lifted off the ground. The most common type. May or may not cause symptoms.
Rigid flat feet – The arch is absent even when non-weight bearing. Often related to tarsal coalition (fused bones) or arthritis. More likely to be symptomatic and requires thorough investigation.
Acquired adult flatfoot (PTTD) – Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) - deterioration of the tendon that supports the arch - is the most common cause of adult onset flat foot. Progressive and important to treat early.
Paediatric flat feet – Young children often have flat feet that develop an arch naturally by school age. Persistent flat feet beyond age 6 or those associated with pain warrant assessment.
When Flat Feet Cause Problems
Arch and heel pain – Overstretching of the plantar fascia associated with flat feet causes pain along the arch and at the heel.
Ankle pain – The pronated position of the foot places strain on the ankle joint and supporting ligaments.
Knee pain – Internal tibial rotation from excessive pronation increases valgus stress at the knee.
Hip and lower back pain – Asymmetrical flat feet or severe bilateral flat feet can disturb pelvic alignment.
Fatigue – Flat feet are often associated with foot and leg fatigue after prolonged activity.
Treatment at Deal Podiatry
Orthotic therapy – The primary treatment for symptomatic flat feet. Custom or prefabricated orthotics support the arch, control pronation, and redistribute plantar pressure.
Footwear assessment – Motion-control or stability footwear provides significant additional support for flat feet.
Exercise rehabilitation – Strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles, tibialis posterior, and calf muscles improves dynamic arch support.
PTTD management – Early management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with orthotics and rehabilitation can prevent progression to rigid flatfoot and potential surgical intervention.
Referral – For rigid flat feet with coalition, or severe PTTD, specialist orthopaedic referral may be appropriate.
Do Flat Feet Always Need Treatment?
Not all flat feet require treatment. If your flat feet are not causing pain, limiting your activities, or associated with problems elsewhere in the lower limb, no treatment may be necessary. Our podiatrists at Deal Podiatry will provide an honest assessment and advise only on treatments that are clinically indicated for your specific presentation.
Related Treatments at Deal Podiatry
Deal Podiatry offers the following treatments for flat feet and overpronation in Deal, Kent:
Book Your Flat Foot Assessment at Deal Podiatry
Whether your flat feet are causing pain, affecting your sport, or you simply want advice, our podiatrists at Deal Podiatry in Deal, Kent are here to help with expert assessment and personalised treatment.