- A condition of the feet where the arch on the medial side of the foot collapses inwards, known as excessive pronation
- Foot arch normally develops in children between 3 and 6 years, but in some children it fails to develop
- Persistent flat feet may be asymptomatic but can lead to altered walking patterns, impaired balance and coordination, and pain in the foot, knees and hips later in life
- Contributing factors include hypermobility in the ligaments of the ankle and foot, tightness of the calf muscles, reduction in stability of the knees and hips
- Can be associated with other conditions such as low muscle tone, hypermobility, tibial torsion, increased hip anteversion (medial rotation)
Treatment
- Flat feet early in development with no coexisting conditions require no intervention and should resolve itself when the arch develop between 3 and 6 years
- Persistent flat feet by 5-6 years with no other coexisting conditions may require intervention in the form of advice regarding supportive footwear, prescription of orthotics to correct the heel alignment, stretching exercises for tight muscles and strengthening exercises for weak muscles
Physiotherapy can correct foot alignment, improve balance and coordination ability, improve walking patterns and prevent pain and risk of secondary joint problems