Babies are born with flat feet, but the arch normally develops over time. However, some people never develop a normal arch, which is known as having flat feet, or pes planus. There are two types of flat feet: flexible and rigid. With flexible flat foot, there is some visible arch when you are sitting. However, when you stand up and put weight on the feet, the arch disappears and your entire foot is flush with the floor. With rigid flat foot, there is never a visible arch whether sitting or standing. Sometimes, flat feet can develop after years of standing, walking, running, and other factors that gradually weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs from the top of the ankle to the arch. This condition is called fallen arches. Flat feet do not always produce symptoms but sometimes can cause foot, ankle, or knee pain, stiffness, fatigue, and weakness in the feet. A podiatrist should be consulted if your flat feet are causing symptoms that are disruptive to your life. They have a variety of methods, devices, and treatments to treat your condition.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Jeffrey L. Bober, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Glen Burnie, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.