What is it?

This is a common condition where the medial longitudinal arch has collapsed.

Signs and Symptoms

• The feet appear collapsed with excessive turning out of the heel
• The inside of the foot contacts the ground and usually affects both feet
• Apparent at an early age
• Can become symptomatic with age
• Acquired flat foot may develop due to a trauma or degeneration of major tendons
• In flexible flat foot, the medial arch is unstable thus resulting in stress and strain in surrounding soft tissues creating tired and painful arches. It may also result in pain in the legs, hips, knees and lower back.

Causes

• Genetic deformity / hereditary
• Faulty mechanics - excessive pronation
• Laxity of ligaments, rheumatoid arthritis, limb length discrepancy, tight Achilles tendons

Treatment

Conservative Treatment

• Simple insoles/ orthotics to control excessive pronation and reduce the occurrence of painful symptoms
• Surgery in severe cases