In cases where the flat feet is associated with hindfoot malalignment, a procedure called a re-alignment osteotomy is added to correct the heel alignment. Figure 4: X-ray showing a sinus tarsi stent in the foot It works like a peg in the foot to prevent the medial arch from collapsing and hence correcting the flat foot.

In mild cases, an insertion of a sinus tarsi stent is sufficient to re-create the medial arch of the foot. As flat feet present in a variety of ways and severity, surgical treatments are carefully tailored towards correcting the specific deformity. Surgical treatment is reserved for those who have persistent pain and problems despite using orthotic insoles and physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is also helpful to stretch the Achilles tendon and to strengthen the tendons around the foot to support the medial or inner arch. Non-surgical treatment will entail using an orthotic insole to support the foot. Treatment of flat feet is broadly divided into non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. Note that the straight line through the foot is broken in the middle. Figure 3: X-ray of a flat foot with loss of the normal arch. Figure 2: X-ray of a foot with a normal arch.

Flat feet happens when the middle part of the foot has “collapsed” towards the ground which causes the feet to lose its normal arch. X-rays are useful to determine the severity of flat feet. Figure 1: A patient with flat feet How do we detect Flat Feet? Hypermobile joints, footwear with poor arch support, tightness of the Achilles tendon are some associated factors leading to the development of flat feet. It is difficult to pin-point a single cause for why flat feet can become painful. Usually flat feet is caused by a combination of factors. However, in a small minority, flat feet can be associated with pain when walking or running. In most people, flat feet do not cause any problems.

Paediatric Intervention (HeadStart for Life)įlat feet or “pes planus” is a very common finding.

Speech Therapy (Amazing Speech Therapy).

Paediatric Surgery (Nobel Paediatric Surgery Centre).

Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition.

General Surgery & Colorectal Surgery (TEN Surgery).

How to tell if you have flat feet