The flat foot is a condition in which the arch, located along the inner part of the foot, is flattened, which allows the entire sole of the foot to touch the ground when standing.

Even though this frequently encountered condition is often painless, if left untreated can lead to other problems of the lower limb. More precisely, it can cause problems of the ankles and knees and hips, since it can alter the normal alignment of the legs and therefore affect the transmission of force through the lower limb.

Thus, treatment is often necessary, even in the absence of pain.

Flat foot can occur when planting arches that help in the absorption of shocks and transmission of the reaction force to the ground, do not develop properly during childhood.

The flat foot can also occur by degenerative changes or due to the weakness of the muscular and ligamentous structures located at the level of the inner arch of the foot.

When this supporting structure, the foot itself, is compromised, by injury, fracture or wear, the inner arch may fall, causing a flat foot.

Flexible flat foot, which accounts for 90% of flat foot cases, is considered normal in young children. Over 90% of children under 4 years of age have a flexible flat foot, because the plantar arch is formed between the ages of 1 year and 6-8 years, as a result of the development of the foot bones and the strengthening of the ligament apparatus, as the child walks more and more. However, in some children, the vault does not develop, so about 15% of them, will have flat foot.

The persistence of the flat foot over the age of 8, associated with pain or fatigue in the leg and/or lower leg, requires a specialist consultation.

10% of flat foot cases are rigid and may be accompanied by other joint deformities in the foot.

When the flat foot is present since childhood and is not treated, it can cause problems in the ankle, knee or hip.

Also, the flat foot acquired as a result of an injury, fractures or wear at the level of the arch of the foot, must be treated accordingly, aiming at improving or increasing the support for the plantar arch.

In both situations, the goal of the treatment is to restore normal biomechanics of the foot.
Thus:

It helps to relieve the pain associated with the flat foot, when it is present, but also to reduce the pressure in the foot, while walking. Most of the time, the flat leg is not painful, but the pressure exerted on the foot while walking can gradually lead to inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon (tendonitis).

Special exercise programs aim at:

• stretching at the level of the leg itself, but also of the Achilles tendon as it can be shortened in a person with a flat foot.
• increasing the strength of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, having a significant effect on the plantar arch.
• increased flexibility, especially in the case of rigid flat foot.

It can have an important role in supporting the flat foot. The footwear that has structural support, such as sports shoes, can be more beneficial for the flat foot, compared to sandals, for example.

It is not necessary only to correct the flat foot, but it could also help when there are other associated injuries, such as a fracture in the foot or rupture of the Achilles tendon.

➢ Avoid activities that increase discomfort in the leg or calf. Activities such as cycling, walking or swimming instead of running or jumping are recommended.

➢ Weight loss, in overweight people, can help reduce stress and pressure placed on the legs.

➢ It is recommended to practice physical activities regularly, because, as time passes, in the absence of movement, the muscular and ligament structures in the foot may weaken, which can lead to flat foot.

➢ Pay attention to the traumatic injury of the ankle or foot, which, if not treated properly, can lead to the development of flat foot over several years.