Flat Feet, also known as Pes Planus, are a common condition in which the arch of the foot is lower than usual or flattens when standing. Some people have Flat Feet without symptoms, while others develop pain, fatigue, swelling or difficulty with walking.
Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising exclusively in foot and ankle surgery. Flat Feet may be present from childhood or may develop later in life, and assessment helps determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment.
In Flat Feet, the arch of the foot is lower than normal. In some patients the foot remains flexible, with an arch visible when not bearing weight. In others, the arch becomes more persistently flattened and symptoms may become more noticeable over time.
Flat Feet can affect foot shape, walking pattern and loading through the foot and ankle. Depending on the cause, symptoms may be felt in the arch, along the inside of the ankle, or sometimes on the outer side of the ankle in more advanced cases.
Flat Feet can occur for a number of reasons. Some people have flexible Flat Feet from a young age, while others develop symptoms later due to changes in the tendons, ligaments or joints of the foot.
Common causes include:
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity, but may include:
Assessment usually involves discussing symptoms, examining the shape and flexibility of the foot, and assessing how the foot and ankle function during standing and walking. The aim is to identify whether the Flat Foot is flexible or more rigid, and whether tendon or joint problems are contributing.
Where needed, weight-bearing X-rays or other investigations may be arranged to help clarify the cause and guide treatment planning.
Many patients with Flat Feet can be managed without surgery. Treatment depends on the symptoms, the cause of the deformity and how much it is affecting walking and activity.
Non-surgical treatment may include:
These treatments aim to reduce pain, improve support and improve function.
Surgery may be considered if symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, or if the deformity progresses. The type of surgery depends on the underlying cause, the flexibility of the foot and the severity of the problem.
Procedures may include tendon procedures, realignment osteotomy, and joint fusion in more advanced cases. Surgery is tailored to the individual patient and discussed after assessment and investigation.
No. Many people have Flat Feet without symptoms. Treatment is usually only needed if the condition is causing pain or affecting function.
In some patients, particularly when related to tendon problems, Flat Feet can gradually worsen over time. Assessment can help guide treatment.
Orthotics or insoles can help support the foot and reduce symptoms in many patients, depending on the cause of the problem.
Flexible Flat Feet usually show an arch when the foot is not bearing weight, whereas more rigid Flat Feet remain flat and may be associated with underlying joint problems.
If you have persistent pain, swelling, difficulty with walking, or notice a change in the shape of your foot, specialist assessment may be helpful.
No. Surgery depends on the underlying cause and severity. Some patients may need tendon or realignment procedures, while fusion is usually reserved for more advanced cases.
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