Flat Foot also known as Pes Planus, is a common condition where arches of the foot are flattened, causing entire foot to come into contact with the ground.

 Flat foot could be hereditary. It can develop later in life due to factors such as injury, aging, obesity. People with Flat foot may experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness in foot or ankle. Flatfoot can also lead to other problems such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints or knee pain.

Flat foot can be classified on the basis of their causes and characteristics :-·  

  • Flexible Flatfoot - In this the arch of foot appears normal when the person is sitting, when the person stands on their feet, the arch collapses, causing entire foot to come into contact with the ground.     
  •   Rigid Flatfoot- In this the arch of foot is rigid and does not change when the person stands on their      toes. It can cause pain and discomfort.·       
  •  Congenital Flatfoot- It is present at birth and is usually caused by incomplete development of bones and muscles in the foot.It causes pain and affect walking ability of a person.·        
  • Acquired Flatfoot- It can develop later in life due to injury, overuse or factors like, obesity or arthritis.·  
  •  Traumatic Flatfoot- It can be caused by injury to foot or ankle, such as fracture. It can be temporary or permanent.

The common treatment of flat foot are as follows-·    

  •  Supportive Footwear- Wearing supportive shoes with good arch support and firm heel counter relieves flat foot symptoms. Avoid high heels or flat soles.     
  •   Orthotics-  Custom-made arch supports or over-the-counter inserts can help support the arch and relieve pain and discomfort.
  •  Avoidance of high impact activities- Activities such as running or jumping can increase stress on the feet can contribute in development of flatfoot. Avoiding these activities reduces flat foot.
  • Exercise Regularly- Strength training for muscles in the feet and ankles, can help to maintain foot health and prevent flat foot.      
  • Weight Management- Excess weight can put extra stress on the feet,contributing to development of flat foot, maintaining a healthy weight helps to reduce stress on feet and lower limbs.   
  •  Stretch and warm up before physical activity- Stretching before physical activity helps to prevent injury and reduce the risk of developing flat foot.