Medicines for Flat feet

What it is

Flat feet (fallen arches) is when the arches on the inside of the feet are low or absent, so that most or all of the sole touches the ground when standing. It is very common and, in most cases, completely normal and harmless — many people have flat feet and never have any problems from them. Flat feet are normal in babies and young children (whose arches develop as they grow), and while arches usually form during childhood, some people simply have flatter feet as adults, which is a normal variation. Flat feet can also develop later in life — for example due to weakening or stretching of the tendon that supports the arch (adult-acquired flat foot), with age, or in association with conditions such as arthritis or injury. In many people, flat feet cause no symptoms at all and need no treatment. However, in some people, flat feet (or fallen arches that develop) can be associated with problems such as: aching or pain in the feet, particularly after standing or activity; pain in the arch, heel, ankle, or along the inside of the foot; tiredness or aching in the legs; and, sometimes, knock knees or issues with how the foot and leg align, or uneven shoe wear. It is when flat feet cause pain or other problems that assessment and treatment may be helpful. The key messages are that flat feet are very common and usually harmless and painless, needing no treatment; that supportive measures and treatments are available if they cause pain or problems; and that flat feet that develop later in life, become painful, or occur only on one side, or a foot that is changing shape, are worth getting checked, as these may need attention.

How it is treated

Flat feet usually need no treatment when they cause no problems, and treatment is aimed at those in whom flat feet cause pain or difficulty. For flat feet that are painless and not causing problems (the majority), no treatment is needed — reassurance that they are a common, normal variation is usually all that is required, and this is especially true for children, whose feet are naturally flatter and usually develop normally. When flat feet cause symptoms such as foot, arch, heel, or leg pain or aching, or difficulty, helpful measures include: supportive, well-fitting footwear with good arch support and cushioning; insoles or arch supports (either off-the-shelf or, in some cases, custom orthotics made by a podiatrist), which can support the arch and relieve symptoms; exercises and stretches to strengthen and support the foot and lower leg (a physiotherapist or podiatrist can advise); simple pain relief for discomfort if needed; maintaining a healthy weight (which reduces load on the feet); and pacing activity. A podiatrist (foot specialist) can assess the feet and advise on and provide appropriate support and treatment. For flat feet that develop in adulthood (for example due to a weakening tendon), come on painfully, occur on one side, or are part of another condition, assessment is important, as specific treatment (such as tailored orthotics, physiotherapy, or, in some cases, other treatments) may be needed, and occasionally surgery is considered for particular problems. The reassuring messages are that flat feet are very common and usually harmless and painless (needing no treatment), and that effective support and treatment are available if they cause pain or problems. Flat feet that become painful, develop later in life, occur only on one side, or involve a foot changing shape are worth getting checked, as they may need attention.