Flat foot

With a flat foot (Latin pes planus), the longitudinal arch of the foot has flattened or collapsed completely, so the sole rests almost entirely on the ground. In toddlers a flat foot is normal – the arch only develops during the first years of life.

Causes

• weak connective tissue or hereditary disposition
• excess weight and permanent overload
• weakness of the foot and lower-leg muscles
• injuries or tendon damage (e.g. to the tibialis posterior tendon)
• result of an untreated flexible flatfoot

Possible complaints

• rapid fatigue and pain in the arch
• pressure points and increased callus on the inside of the foot
• complaints that can radiate into the knee, hip or back

What helps?

Orthopaedic insoles, targeted foot exercises (e.g. walking barefoot on natural ground, gripping exercises with the toes) and supportive shoes. The diagnosis is made by an orthopaedist. In our practice we take care of the consequences such as calluses and pressure points and relieve them in a targeted way.