PAIN AND ORTHOPAEDICS · Health guide
What Is Flat Foot? When Is Assessment Needed?
When does flat foot become a problem? Information on pain, assessment of weight bearing, the need for insoles and follow-up in children and adults.
Updated: · General information
What is it?
Flat foot is a reduction of the inner arch of the foot when weight is taken. It is common in young children; painless, flexible flat foot does not always require treatment.
How is it assessed?
Examination is needed if there is pain, stiffness, a one-sided change or difficulty walking. Standing posture, rising onto the toes and joint movements are examined.
How is rehabilitation planned?
Footwear advice, appropriate exercise or, where needed, an insole may be used to reduce symptoms. It cannot be claimed that an insole will permanently correct the shape of the foot in every child.
How are flexible and rigid flat foot distinguished?
The examination assesses how the arch of the foot changes when weight is applied and when it is removed. Pain, a one-sided appearance, rigidity and symptoms that limit walking are all significant. Because the appearance of the arch can change with age in young children, a diagnosis is not made from a photograph alone.
Choosing footwear and activities
How well the shoe fits the foot, and whether it causes discomfort in everyday use, is assessed. Not every flat foot requires special footwear or an insole. Where there is pain, loading habits and the function of the calf and foot muscles are addressed; any recommendation for exercise or support is based on the examination findings.
Your questions
Patient information
Does an insole definitely correct the shape of the foot?
An insole may be used in some people for support and to control symptoms. It should not be assumed that it produces a permanent change of shape or that it is necessary for everyone.
If there is no pain, is it necessary to give up sport?
The appearance of a flat foot alone is not a reason for an automatic ban on sport. Where there is pain or loss of function, suitable activity is determined with the physician.
