Acquired flat foot

What is Acquired flat foot?

Acquired flat foot is a common condition which has been estimated to affect up to 25% of the general population. On this page, you can learn more about the condition, how to treat it and when to seek further specialist advice. 

Most people’s feet have a gap where the inner part of the foot (the arch) is raised off the ground when they stand. The height of this arch varies. Some people’s feet, however, have a low arch or no arch at all, which is referred to as flat feet or fallen arches. 

When someone with flat feet stands, their inner foot or arch flattens, and the foot may roll over to the inner side (known as over-pronation). This is often apparent if the heels of shoes wear out quickly and unevenly. Over-pronation can irritate your ankle joint and Achilles tendon (tendon at the back of your ankle).

Symptoms may include:

• Pain behind the ankle bone, above the arch of your foot, and along the arch/instep of your foot.
• There may be swelling in this region.
• A change in foot shape.
• Decrease in walking and balance.
• An inability 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 mellitus, 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.