Most children have fleet feet when they are young and they develop an arch as they grow. Some people never develop an arch and have naturally flat feet, which is also called pes planus. Some people will notice over time their feet become flatter which can be described as fallen or collapsed arches. Another term that is often used to describe having flat feet or very low arches is overpronation.
Does it matter if you have flat feet?
Many people with flat feet have no pain or symptoms. When this is the case then usually nothing needs to be done.
Some people will develop pain in their feet, ankles, calves, knees, hips or back which is linked to their flat feet. When you have a reduced arch or no arch in your feet it affects your body’s alignment.
The most common symptom of flat feet is pain in the foot due to strain on muscles, tendons and ligaments.
The altered alignment can also cause abnormal stress on your knees, hips and back resulting in pain and altered biomechanics.
When flat feet are causing pain, there are things you can do to reduce the symptoms:
Exercises to improve your foot alignment, strengthen the muscles and stretch tight muscles
Wear supportive, well fitted shoes
Orthotics or insoles to improve foot alignment
A physiotherapy or podiatry assessment may be beneficial to assess your foot alignment, diagnose the cause of your pain and to advise you and offer treatment to cure your symptoms.
Call Harbourside today on 01736 366224 or email us at main@harboursidephysiotherapy.co.uk to find out more about the services we offer & to get booked in with one of our experienced team.
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