Are Flat Feet a Health Concern?

Flat feet are a common structural condition that affects about a quarter (26.6%) of adults. Most infants are born with flat feet, but the arches typically form before age 10.

For some people, foot arches never form. Many people don’t experience any negative effects. However, having flat feet increases the risk of foot pain, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

At Preserve Physical Therapy in The Woodlands and Magnolia, Texas, physical therapist Rupal Mehta, PT, MS, DPT, PhD, regularly treats flat feet.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of flat feet, symptoms that may indicate the need for treatment, and therapeutic approaches that can help you move more comfortably.

Understanding flat feet

Flat feet occur when your arches make direct contact with the floor when standing or walking. The condition can affect one or both feet, and there are several different types, including:

Flexible flat feet

This is the most common type of flat feet. If you have flexible flat feet, you can see your arches when sitting down, but they disappear as soon as you stand up.

Rigid flat feet

This type of flat feet means your arches aren’t visible regardless of whether you’re sitting or standing. People with rigid flat feet often have difficulty flexing their feet up and down or side to side.

Congenital flat feet

Some people are born with a genetic condition that prevents them from developing arches. This is called congenital flat feet and is typically caused by an underlying connective tissue disorder.

Acquired flat feet

Also known as fallen arches, acquired flat feet are characterized by arches that flatten over time, usually due to wear-and-tear or trauma.

When flat feet become a health concern

Many people with flat feet don’t experience any symptoms. However, if you regularly experience foot pain or other musculoskeletal issues, it’s important to determine whether flat feet are the cause.

The best way to determine this is to monitor how you feel when walking or standing for extended periods. Consider working with a physical therapist if you experience:

Foot pain, especially in your heels or arches
Swelling along the inside of your ankles
Pain that worsens during exercise or other activities
Difficulty maintaining your balance or posture, which may contribute to balance disorders

Flat feet typically don’t cause problems, but they can affect how you walk or position your body. When this happens, it can force other parts of your body to overcompensate, increasing the risk of:

Plantar fasciitis
Bunions
Hammertoes
Back pain

Flat feet diagnosis and evaluation

If you’re concerned that flat feet are responsible for pain or mobility issues, make an appointment with your foot doctor for a comprehensive evaluation.

If your doctor diagnoses flat feet, they can refer you to Dr. Mehta for physical therapy.

How a physical therapist treats flat feet

Physical therapy treats flat feet using an integrative approach. After assessing your gait (walking pattern) and posture, Dr. Mehta may recommend:

Using custom orthotics (prescription shoe inserts)
Wearing comfortable and supportive shoes
Performing targeted stretches to improve foot flexibility
Strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles
Using laser therapy to reduce inflammation
Using sports medicine, such as ice, heat, or massage

Physical therapy won’t cure your flat feet, but it can help you move more comfortably and significantly reduce pain.

Learn how physical therapy can ease symptoms of flat feet

Flat feet are a common cause of:

Foot pain
Heel pain
Back pain
Low mobility

Working with a qualified physical therapist can help you address these issues, so you can confidently return to your daily routine.