Flatfoot (Pes Planus)

Flat Feet Can Affect More Than Just Your Feet

Flatfoot, also known as pes planus, occurs when the arch of the foot collapses or fails to develop normally, causing most or all of the sole of the foot to make contact with the ground while standing.

While some individuals with flat feet experience no symptoms, others may develop foot pain, ankle pain, fatigue, instability, tendon problems, knee pain, and progressive deformity over time.

At Edge Podiatry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating flatfoot deformities in both children and adults. Through advanced biomechanical evaluation, custom orthotics, bracing, physical therapy, and reconstructive surgery when necessary, we help patients improve alignment, reduce pain, and maintain an active lifestyle.

Flatfoot in Children

Flat feet are very common in young children. In fact, most children naturally have little to no visible arch until approximately 4 to 5 years of age. As the foot develops, the arch typically forms on its own.

For this reason, parents should not be alarmed if a young child appears flat-footed.

However, an evaluation may be recommended if your child experiences:

• Foot or leg pain

• Frequent tripping or falling

• In-toeing (pigeon toe)

• Out-toeing

• Difficulty keeping up with peers

• Abnormal walking patterns

• Persistent flat feet beyond early childhood

Many cases of pediatric flatfoot are inherited and run in families. Early evaluation can help determine whether treatment is necessary and identify biomechanical abnormalities before they contribute to future problems.

Adult Flatfoot

Flatfoot can also develop later in life due to:

• Aging and wear-and-tear

• Tendon injuries

• Previous foot or ankle trauma

• Obesity

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Diabetes

• Neuromuscular conditions

• Progressive collapse of the arch

Adult-acquired flatfoot often becomes progressively worse over time if left untreated, leading to increasing pain and deformity.

Symptoms of Flatfoot

Not everyone with flat feet experiences symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:

• Arch pain

• Heel pain

• Ankle pain

• Foot fatigue

• Leg fatigue

• Knee pain

• Tendonitis

• Difficulty standing for long periods

• Difficulty exercising

• Frequent ankle sprains

• Poor balance

• Progressive flattening of the arch

Many patients notice that symptoms worsen after long days of standing, walking, or participating in sports.

Why Flat Feet Can Cause Pain

Your feet serve as the foundation for your entire body.

When the arch collapses, the joints of the foot and ankle may become misaligned. This altered biomechanics can place excessive stress on:

• Ligaments

• Tendons

• Muscles

• Cartilage

• Bones

• Joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back

Over time, untreated flatfoot can contribute to:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

• Achilles tendonitis

• Arthritis

• Heel spurs

• Shin splints

• Knee pain

• Chronic foot fatigue

• Progressive deformity

Flatfoot Evaluation

At Edge Podiatry, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of the deformity and identify contributing factors.

Your evaluation may include:

• Biomechanical examination

• Gait analysis

• Foot and ankle alignment assessment

• X-rays when necessary

• Tendon evaluation

• Orthotic assessment

• Pediatric developmental evaluation

Understanding the underlying cause of flatfoot is critical for developing the most effective treatment plan.

Conservative Treatment Options

Most patients with flatfoot can achieve significant improvement without surgery.

Treatment options may include:

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are often the cornerstone of flatfoot treatment.

By supporting the arch and improving foot alignment, orthotics can:

• Reduce foot pain

• Improve stability

• Decrease abnormal stress on joints

• Improve walking efficiency

• Help prevent progression of deformity

• Reduce knee and ankle discomfort

At Edge Podiatry, we utilize advanced 3D scanning technology to create custom orthotics specifically tailored to your feet and lifestyle.

Supportive Footwear

Proper shoes provide additional stability and support while reducing strain on the arch and surrounding structures.

Physical Therapy and Stretching

Strengthening and flexibility programs can improve function and reduce symptoms, particularly when tendon involvement is present.

Bracing

For more advanced cases, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and other supportive braces may help stabilize the foot and reduce pain.

Surgical Treatment for Flatfoot

When conservative treatment is no longer effective, surgical correction may be considered.

Surgery may be recommended for:

• Progressive deformity

• Severe pain

• Tendon dysfunction

• Advanced arthritis

• Significant instability

• Failure of conservative treatment

Modern flatfoot reconstruction may involve:

• Tendon repair or transfer

• Osteotomies (bone realignment procedures)

• Ligament reconstruction

• Joint stabilization

• Joint fusion procedures when necessary

Our goal is to restore proper alignment, improve function, and provide long-term pain relief.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Flatfoot deformities often worsen gradually over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent progression and reduce the risk of developing secondary problems such as arthritis, tendon injuries, and chronic pain.

The earlier abnormal biomechanics are addressed, the more treatment options are available.

Schedule a Flatfoot Evaluation

If you or your child have flat feet, foot pain, ankle pain, abnormal walking patterns, frequent tripping, or worsening arch collapse, schedule an evaluation with Edge Podiatry today.

Our specialists can determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include custom orthotics, gait correction, bracing, physical therapy, or advanced reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to keep you active, comfortable, and moving confidently for years to come.