Acquired flat foot
What is Acquired flat foot?
Adult acquired flatfoot is more common in middle-aged adults, particularly females with an elevated BMI.
What is a flat foot?
A Flat foot is a term used to describe the position of the foot when the arch of the foot is low and the sole of the foot comes in contact with the ground.
Adolescent flat foot
Flat feet in children is normal. The shape of the foot often changes as we grow and move into adolescence. In some instances the flat foot remains and this is nothing to be concerned about, almost 1 in 4 people have a flat foot in the uk with no symptoms or pain.
What is Adult acquired flat foot?
Adult acquired flat foot is where people with a normal arch develop sudden or progressive flattening of the arch. It is often referred to by other names such as “fallen” or “collapsed” arches which can sound more concerning than it should as the foot is still robust and safe. The medical term is Pes Planus.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain along the arch of the foot with pain then developing behind the inner ankle bone and up the inner side of the leg.
- There may be swelling in this region.
- A change in foot shape.
- Difficulty walking and balancing.
- An inability/ difficulty to stand on tiptoes, on one leg.
Risk factors for developing Acquired flat foot:
- Living with overweight or obesity.
- It is associated with certain health conditions including diabetes, hypertension.
- If there has been a history of trauma to the foot/ankle.
- If there has been a history of corticosteroid injections to the foot/ankle.
- Lack of strength in the small muscles of the feet.