Flatfoot
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
What is flatfoot?
Flatfoot is common in children younger than 6 years. The arch of the foot usually develops by 10 years, but you may still have flatfoot as an adult. Flatfoot may be flexible or rigid. Flexible means you have an arch when your foot is relaxed but not when you are standing. Rigid means your foot does not have an arch even when it is relaxed.
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What are the signs and symptoms of flatfoot?
- The soles of your feet are flat on the floor when you stand
- Your toes or heels point out as you walk
- A tight Achilles tendon causes your heels to lift off the ground as you walk
- Foot problems such as a bunion
- Pain in your heel or arch that is worse when you move your foot
- Pain in your back, shin, hip, or knee
- Swelling on the inside part of your ankle
What increases my risk for flatfoot?
- A family history of flatfoot
- An injury to your foot, ankle, or heel
- Higher body weight than recommended
- A disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
How is flatfoot diagnosed and treated?
Your healthcare provider will examine your feet and legs. Your provider will ask about your symptoms and when they began. Tell your provider if you had flatfoot as a child or had a recent foot or leg injury. Your provider may have you stand with your feet on the floor, then on tiptoes. You may also be watched as you walk to see how your feet are lined up. X-ray pictures may show how severe the flatfoot is and help guide treatment, if needed. Treatment may only be needed if you have symptoms such as pain:
- A physical therapist can teach you how to prevent overuse of muscles and tendons in your legs and feet. The therapist can also teach you exercises to stretch tight tendons in your heel. The stretches may be the only treatment you need.
- Surgery may be needed if other treatments do not work. You may need to have a bone or tendon problem repaired. Your ankle may be made more stable, or your Achilles tendon may be made longer. Bones may be fused (joined) or separated.
What can I do to manage flatfoot?
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Rest your feet if you have pain. Avoid activities that make your symptoms worse. For some causes of flatfoot, your healthcare provider may recommend a cast or splint for a short time. This will completely rest your feet.
- Use orthotics to support your arch as you walk. An orthotic is a plastic device that slips into your shoe. Orthotics will not cure flatfoot. They will only help relieve pain and help you walk more easily. Talk to your healthcare provider about the kind of orthotics that are best for you. You might want to choose a style that is soft. Hard orthotics may increase your pain.
- Talk to your provider about weight management. A healthy weight can relieve your symptoms and help prevent flatfoot. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a healthy weight loss plan, if needed.
When should I call my doctor?
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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Further information
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