Flatfoot (also known as pes planus) is a common defect in which there is no arch. Flatfoot may be hereditary or acquired with diseases of the muscles and nerves. A podiatrist can make a diagnosis of flatfoot just by examining the foot. Symptomatic flat-footedness can be treated. If flat feet cause pain, an orthotic (arch preserving insert in the shoe) may bring relief.
Adult acquired flatfoot is a progressive, often painful deformity resulting from gradual stretching of the tendon and ligaments that support the arch of the foot. Adult acquired flatfoot affects women four times as frequently as men. Most people who develop the condition already have flat feet. Contributing factors increasing the risk of adult acquired flatfoot are diabetes, hypertension and/or obesity.
Adult acquired flatfoot is best treated early, and can be helped through custom molded foot orthoses. In cases where cast immobilization, orthoses and shoe therapy fails, surgery is the next alternative. The overall goal of treatment is to eliminate pain, stop progression of the deformity and improve mobility.
