Flat feet can be completely asymptomatic – but can also lead to pain and fatigue in the feet, knees, hips, and lower back. Here, we review what flat feet entail, how they can arise, which symptoms you should be aware of, and how you can support the foot to reduce discomfort.
What are flat feet?
Flat feet mean that the inner longitudinal arch of the foot is low/collapsed, causing the entire or almost entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when bearing weight. Flat feet can be congenital and painless. Most newborns have flat feet, and the arch often develops during growth. Flat feet can also be acquired later in life due to weakness in the foot's supporting structures. Flat feet can lead to foot fatigue, stress pain, and sometimes impact the knees, hips, and lower back.
Common causes & risk factors
Acquired flat feet can be due to any of the following reasons:
- The muscle tendon (m. tibialis posterior) that supports the arch of the foot is weakened, stretched, or torn
- Stretched ligaments in the midfoot
- Foot injury
- Disease affecting the tibialis posterior tendon or joints.
Common risk factors include overweight, prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, and pregnancy. Age-related changes and previous injuries can also contribute. People with overpronation have an increased risk of developing acquired flat feet.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include fatigue and pain under the arch of the foot, the feeling that the foot “collapses,” and pain when walking or after longer walks. Some also experience stress pain in the knee, hip, or lower back.
When should you seek care?
Seek care if the pain increases, if you experience pronounced stress pain, or if the discomfort does not improve with supportive insoles or self-care. In case of sudden changes in foot shape or severe pain, a medical assessment should be made.
Recommended braces & supports
Supportive insoles or arch supports can provide support and reduce the strain on the foot's structures, as well as on the knees, hips, and lower back. Training the foot muscles can improve foot stability and function. It is often helpful to choose shoes with good cushioning and stability.
See all products for flat feet/low arches
Related injuries
For more knowledge about foot ailments, you can read further in the Foot & Heel Injury Guide. You can also go to the Injury Guide main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
